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In her new album Wexler has done a masterful job of re-imaging 10 of the best songs from the 60s to reflect her interpretation of these songs and bring forth their messages of hope, love and change again. This is what truly outstanding Jazz musicians do. They take great music and lyrics and give them a re-birth while never sacrificing the integrity of the original brilliance of the music and lyric. Wexler has a lot of tools in her musical bag that allow her to succeed with her re-interpretation of these golden songs. She has near perfect pitch, her voice is clear and strong, her phrasing is always perfect and she puts forth a real understanding of the issues that the lyrics cover.
The arrangements are sparkling and new and the group of musicians Wexler has gathered together to record this album are spectacular by any measure. She started with her long-time pianist and arranger Jeff Colella whose resume is extremely long and distinguished. He toured with Lou Rawls for 16 years and was Musical Director for Jack Jones, just to mention two. She called upon the brilliant young Pianist and Composer Josh Nelson who contributed two arrangements. World-class Guitarist Larry Koonse was joined by Bass player Gabe Davis, and Drummer Steve Hass. They were joined by Bob Thiele, Jr on Electric and Baritone Guitar, Danny Janklow on Alto sax, Jay Jennings on Trumpet and Hendrik Meurkens on Harmonica. The string section included Violinists Joel Pargman and Carrie Kennedy, Rodney Wirtz on Viola, and Cellist Stefanie Fife. Erin Bentlage arranged and contributed background vocals on four tracks. As you can see from this list of master musicians, Wexler has spent whatever money was necessary to produce the finest musical product she could. She has succeeded! "Back To The Garden" is an outstanding new album that deserves all the praise that it is receiving already by the music press. The music and lyric on these old songs are still as enjoyable as when I first heard them played over 60 years ago and that's a tribute to the musical talent of Judy Wexler.
The songs on "Back To The Garden" include two written by Bob Dylan, one by Paul Simon and one by Stephen Stills. They will bring back memories of Joni Mitchel, the Youngbloods, Harry Nilsson and Judy Collins. If you are too young to remember these original songs of the 60s, I think you will fall in love with them now. If you do remember these original songs from the time they were recorded, you will fall in love with Judy Wexler and her interpretations.
Players:
Judy Wexler- Vocals
Jeff Colella- Piano, Melodica, Background Vocals
Larry Koonse- Nylon String and Electric Guitar
Gabe Davis- Bass
Steve Hass- Drums
Bob Thiele, Jr- Electric and Baritone Guitar
Erin Bentlage- Background Vocals
Danny Janklow- Alto Sax
Jay Jennings- Trumpet
Hendrik Meurkens- Harmonica
Sara Caswell- Violin
Rodney Wirtz- Viola
Stefanie Fife- Cello
Talley Sherwood- Background Vocals
Playlist:
Get Together (Chet Powers)
Up On The Roof (Gerry Goffin and Carole King)
American Tune (Paul Simon)
Big Yellow Taxi (Joni Mitchell)
The Times They Are A-Changin (Bob Dylan)
Since You've Asked (Judy Collins)
For What It's Worth (Stephen Sills)
Everybody's Talking (Fred Neil)
Forever Young (Bob Dylan)
Who Knows Where The Time Goes (Sandy Denny)
I have attached two wonderful YouTubes for your listening pleasure. The first one, "Everybody's Talking" that has some tasty Harmonic work provided by Hendrik Meurkens. The second one is still very popular today "Up On The Roof" from Gerry Goffin and Carole King. Judy Wexler's voice and phrasing and Jeff Colella's terrific Piano work show us how to turn a great R & B rock and roll tune into a delightful Jazz tune!
"Everybody's Talking"
