For her second recording,
Restless, San Francisco based
Paula West sings a 15-song program split between lesser known numbers and standards, but the whole CD benefits from wonderfully understated arrangements by pianist
Ken Muir.
West also utilizes tasteful, carefully plotted soloists including guitarist
Brad Buethe (also an arranger on two tracks, ) saxophonists
Dave Tidball and
Noel Jewkes, trumpeter
Allen Smith, and most prominently violinist
Jeremy Cohen. Two great bassists,
Bill Douglass and
Al Obidinski keep the rhythms fluid and buoyant.
West has a crystal clear, perfectly pitched voice, grown-up, sultry, not overt or obvious on any level. It's rich, devoid of influences, and instantly attractive.
West is also not reticent to sing tricky lyrics, kicking right off the bat with the impressive "Who Will Buy?" and the laid-back title track.
Buethe's killer arrangement and
West's cat-quick reading of
Jobim's "Waters of March" should convince anyone, as can a hard swinging "Lover" or the coy jazz take on
Lennon and
McCartney's "Fixin' a Hole." At her most sensuous,
West's ballad approach meshes perfectly with the musical backdrop. The rubato "I'm a Fool to Want You," the cool "Some Cats Know," the operatic "Why Can't You Behave?" and the romantically dripping "Moments Like This" all prove convincing and effective. Variations include the klip-klop "Don't Fence Me In" and "Cow Cow Boogie," but the most intriguing sonics are between
Buethe's guitar and
Cohen's violin while
West scoots around the counter melodies of "They Say It's Wonderful." This is an exceptional singer with a repertoire and supportive musicians to match. It's a recording with many signposts of quality, and a solid candidate for Jazz Vocal CD of the Year.