(Open Art)

Singer Jackie Ryan always seem to push the quality of her work with each new project, and her latest, Listen Here, is no exception. Teaming with producer and bassist John Clayton on this effort, she delivers yet another stunning work of excellence. The material here is mix of styles, from jazz standards, to samba, to gospel, to a Spanish love song, and everything in between. Covered are tunes by Johnny Mercer, George Gershwin, Abbey Lincoln and Dave Frishberg, among others. We’ve heard most of the tunes on this setlist, but not in the way Clayton arranged them or the way Ryan sings them. Much credit too must go to the quality lineup of musicians on the project, which includes Gerald Clayton on piano and organ, Gilbert Castellanos on trumpet, Graham Dechter on guitar, Obed Calvaire on drums and Rickey Woodard on saxophone. This is another exceptional recording from Ryan that should not be missed.