Judi Silvano - Let Yourself Go (2004)

Judi Silvano, a jazz improviser with an adventurous spirit, mostly sings fairly straight on this date, showing great respect for 11 vintage standards and adding her warmth to the lyrics. Pianist Michael Abene's arrangements for the small orchestra are quite colorful and inventive, varying the tone colors and coming up with constant subtle surprises. The backup band is full of top musicians, and Abene's use of soprano sax, bass clarinet, cello, and alto flute is particularly creative. The combination of Silvano's voice and Abene's charts makes Let Yourself Go of greater interest than the usual standards date, and this set serves as an excellent introduction to Judi Silvano's singing.~Review by Scott Yanow

Judi Silvano (voice); Michael Abene (piano, arranger & conductor); Rufus Reid (bass); Newman Taylor-Baker (drums); Dick Oatts (soprano & alto sax); Ingrid Jensen (trumpet & flugelhorn); Roger Rosenberg (bass clarinet & baritone sax); Akua Dixon (cello); Dan Silverman (trombone); Jamie Baum (alto flute); Mayra Casales (percussion); Nita Goodgal (background vocals on "Everytime We Say Goodbye")