Nancy Marano - You're Nearer (2004)

It's hardly hyperbole to call Nancy Marano a terrific jazz singer. Joined by a cast of Dutch musicians, the singer did most of the arranging herself. She restores the all too often omitted verse to "Nice Work if You Can Get It" and scats up a storm with bassist Marius Beets. Her loping, emotional chart of Antonio Carlos Jobim's bittersweet bossa nova "Zingaro" packs a powerful punch. Pianist Rob Van Bavel arranged two standards that earned high praise from their respective composers: the shimmering rendition of Johnny Mandel's "The Shining Sea" and his imaginative brisk chart of Dave and Iola Brubeck's "Summer Song," which showcases Marano's playful side. She's back to scatting in unison as well as trading licks with flügelhornist Angelo Verploegen in the upbeat "Look for the Silver Lining." She even throws a curve to her longtime fans by taking over at the piano to accompany herself on stunning takes of "Detour Ahead" and "You're Nearer," bringing new meaning to the lyrics of these well-known standards. It's no surprise that many veteran jazz musicians and singers were impressed when they heard advance copies of this first-tier CD and offered high praise that is reproduced within the packaging. This release should be required listening for aspiring jazz singers.~ Review by Ken Dryden