(Obliq Sound)

Singer Gretchen Parlato has one of the most unique and creative voices in jazz today. Her latest, Live in NYC, is a portrait of an artist who is as comfortable and consistent on stage, as on her studio albums. Parlato and company are captured in a performance at the intimate Rockwood Music Hall. The album covers most of the material Parlato has recorded on her past two releases. The approach is decidedly contemporary with nice covers of several pop/R&B favorites. The singer’s vocalizations and some of the musical choices evokes Brazilian flavored rhythms. The band is a solid one, with Taylor Eigsti on piano and keys, Alan Hampton on bass and vocals and Mark Guliana on drums (there’s a DVD included that has Eigsti joined by Kendrick Scott on drums and Burniss Earl Travis II on bass and vocals) This is a thoroughly entertaining recording of a truly compelling and engaging talent.