The title of Kathy Jenkins' maiden album is a little misleading in that a trio is in on about half the tracks with the remaining cuts left to the big band. Both groups are well led by Jenkins' husband, Russian-born pianist
Nick Levinovsky. All the bases are touched on this hour-long session from high-voltage, swinging big band backing Jenkins to the much more mellow, relaxed setting of the trio. Like the instrumental playing, Jenkins' voice ranges from the boisterous when backed by the larger aggregation (understandably, so she can be heard over 16 men swinging) to the soft and gentle when in the trio setting. She does well with both. Her voice can be cool with an edge on such cuts as "From This Moment On" where half-way through her wordless vocalizing becomes part of the brass section. Contrast this with the pull-at-the-heart-strings emotions on "Lonely Woman." Like cute and sassy? Jenkins does that too on "If I Were a Bell" and "When the Sun Comes Out." Then there's cleverness and irony on "What You Don't Know About Women." One of the album's highlights is a trio accompanied by Jenkins' lament on "End of a Love Affair."
This album once more demonstrates the importance of good arrangements and outstanding musicians to making an album successful. This band is populated by some of New York's top players. An extra added attraction is that each cut features a solo by at least one of these fine musicians. As can be expected, the lion's share of the solo space belongs to Levinovsky. But others like
Rich Perry,
Andy Middleton, Kenny Rampton, and Andy Gravish get in individual licks as well. To borrow from a current promo for the PGA Senior tour, "These guys really can play." With excellent range and diction, an intuitive feel for the lyrics, and the courage to wear her feelings on her vocal sleeve, Kathy Jenkins is a welcome addition to the recorded jazz vocal scene.
From This Moment On is recommended. ~ Dave Nathan