(Linn Records)

Claire Martin is a sophisticated singer in her own right, but add a string quartet and a terrific selection of tunes and you’ve got a truly high caliber production. On Time & Place, Martin truly delivers with the wonderful talents of the Montpellier Cello Quartet elevating the endeavor. Also contributing this fantastic effort are pianists Joe Stilgoe and Gareth Williams, bassists Jeremy Brown and Laurence Cottle and drummer Ben Reynolds. The song selection are wonderfully imagined  arrangements of compositions by Ira Gershwin, Kurt Weill, Lennon and McCartney, David Bowie, Geoffrey Keezer and Joni Mitchell. The quartet, which is clearly not-your-father’s string quartet, delivers on the diverse set list with great acuity. Martin gracefully leads the whole effort with confidence. An excellent, excellent recording.