Jane Monheit – The Songbook Sessions: Ella Fitzgerald

May 27, 2016 / No Comments / Tags: Daniel Sadownick, Ella Fitzgerald, Jane Monheit, Michael Kanan, Neal Miner, Nicholas Payton, Rick Montalbano, thejazzpage.com

(Emerald City Records)


Inventive arrangements and superb vocal delivery are the hallmarks of singer Jane Monheit’s latest production. Produced with the guidance of trumpeter Nicholas Payton, The Songbook Sessions: Ella Fitzgerald, is less an homage than an exhibit of the inspiration of Ella in the person one of great vocalists of today. Monheit is simply dazzling on this effort, more than meeting the challenge of the creativeness of Payton’s re-imaginings of the standards that are the menu of this recording. Among the tunes included are works by George and Ira Gershwin, Duke Ellington, Richard Rogers Cole Porter and Johnny Mercer. An Amy Winehouse song even melds into the wonderful mix. In addition to Payton on the horn, other players on the effort include Michael Kanan on trumpet, Neal Miner on bass, Rick Montalbano on drums and Daniel Sadownick on percussion. The music is great and Monheit is at the top of her game.

Click to listen to a clip of “Something’s Gotta Give”:


Tracks: All Too Soon, Somebody Loves Me, Chelsea Mood, Something’s Gotta Give, I Was Doing All Right/Know You Now, Ev’ry Time We Say Goodbye, Where or When, Ill Wind, All of You, I Used to be Colorblind, I’ve Got You Under My Skin, This Time The Dream’s On Me.

Website: JaneMonheitOnline.com