Dena DeRose is one of a handful of jazz artists who is equally talented as both a vocalist and pianist.
Live at Jazz Standard, Vol. 2 is drawn from the same 2007 shows as the first volume, with the capable rhythm section of bassist
Martin Wind and drummer
Matt Wilson (who have worked together a good bit, especially with pianist
Bill Mays). Right away she sets herself apart from many vocalists by tackling the subtle ballad "The Ruby and the Pearl," delivering a heartfelt vocal with simmering piano. She adds a bit of playful scat to her jaunty performance of
Benny Carter's "When Lights Are Low," while tackling
Johnny Frigo's "Detour Ahead" as a breezy bossa nova.
DeRose omits the piano entirely from her moving take of the bittersweet standard "I Fall in Love Too Easily," backed solely by
Wind.
DeRose gets a bit tickled in several places during "Laughing at Life," while her strident piano provides the perfect complement to her swinging vocal. Her sole instrumental is a lively trio setting of
Dave Brubeck's "In Your Own Sweet Way." Highly recommended. ~ Ken Dryden