Judi Silvano - Women's Work (2007)

On this live set from New York's Sweet Rhythm, singer Judi Silvano heads an all-female quartet, interpreting 11 songs written by female jazz performers. However the performances and the songs on Women's Work are not necessarily "feminine" in nature and can simply be described as high-quality jazz regardless of the gender. Silvano shows versatility in her interpretations and her repertoire, which ranges from a pair of Mary Lou Williams swing songs to Carla Bley's humorous "Can't Get My Mother to Start," Bessie Smith's "Backwater Blues" and two of her own adventurous originals. The rhythm section is top-notch with pianist Janice Friedman (who contributed an "Easy to Love" unrelated to Cole Porter's song) taking many fine solos. Women's Work is a worthy project.~Scott Yanow

Judi Silvano - voice
Janice Friedman - piano
Allison Miller - drums
Jennifer Vincent - bass