Nina Sheldon – Harvest – Jazzed Media JM 1041, 47:49 [Distrib. by Allegro] ***1/2:
Nina Sheldon’s CD on Jazzed Media is a pleasant surprise. Her use of time when blending her voice with her piano, and her warm tone, make Harvest a nice introduction to her varied talents. Her background is impressive, as after majoring in composition at Bard College, she pursued a Masters at Julliard, so you know she knows her way around the keyboard and stage.
Song selection is varied and expresses good taste as Cole Porter, the Gershwins, and Ellington are matched with Jobim, Steve Swallow, and Bobby Troup. John Menagon, on bass, is a sympathetic bassist for Nina, as he is right in step with his comping. On S’Wonderful, his soloing is first rate.
A special treat is provided by having the late David Fathead Newman along on Baby, Baby All the Time, and I’m Just a Lucky So and So. We just lost Fathead, and any new releases featuring his soulful tenor are reason to spend a little more time with Newman.
Jobim’s Insensatez and Dindi show Nina to be a natural interpreter of Portuguese lyrics and Bossa rhythms. Once again Menagon shines on his solo on Insensatez. Detour Ahead from the pen of Herb Ellis and Johnny Frigo, and Steve Swallow’s Eiderdown are other favorites with the former for Nina’s vocals and the latter for Sheldon’s piano talents.
Once again we have Graham Carter of Jazzed Media to thank for giving deserving artists an opportunity to expand their talent base outside of their local communities. Kudos also go out to Erica Lindsay for a great sound mix, mastering and production duties.
TrackList: You’d Be So Nice to Come Home To, Oh, You Crazy Moon, Baby, Baby All the Time, ‘S Wonderful, Insensatez, I’m Just a Lucky So and So, Detour Ahead, Eiderdown, Dindi, Close Your Eyes
— Jeff Krow
