CD Review: Judy Wexler - Under a Painted Sky

CD Review: Judy Wexler - Under a Painted Sky







Under a Painted Sky is Judy Wexler third release (2005 Easy on the Heart, 2008 Dreams and Shadows). Wexler is one of those uncommon singers with the sensitive, tender feel to clearly express the emotion of a ballad like "Don't Wait Too Long" and the tight, impecable technique to swing in tunes like "The Great City".

Under a Painted Sky has a perfect balance between upbeat tunes and slow ballads. On either one Wexler displays her distinctive style compounded of an ellegant, exquisite phrasing and a gorgeous voice. Wexler versatile voice can be sexy and humorous on "An Ocassional Man", romantic on "Café" and then show some vulnerability on the ballad "Sack full of dreams".

If it ain't broke, don't fix it, like in Wexler previous albums pianist Alan Pasqua once again provides the spacious arrangements that allows the listener to fully enjoy the emotional colouring of Wexler vocals. Wexler is in the company of master musicians on Under a Painted Sky, including Bob Mintzer on tenor sax, Walt Fowler on trumpet, Soprano sax player Bob Sheppard, and bassit Darek Oles (both played on Wexler first two releases) and master percussionist Alex Acuña.

Tracks: Wonderful wonderful, And how I hoped for your love, An occasional man, Don't wait too long, The Great City, Avec le Temps, A little tear, Last time for love, Café, Whisper not, Till there was you, Sack full of dreams

Musicians: Judy Wexler - vocals, Alan Pasqua - piano, Darek Oles - drums, Larry Koonse, Bob Mintzer - tenor sax, Bob Sheppard - soprano sax, Walt Fowler - trumpet, flugelhorn, Alex Acuña - percussion