Since the longtime Nashville session pianist recorded her first jazz trio album in 1991, she's devoted numerous albums to paying homage to influential greats like
Frank Sinatra,
Johnny Mercer,
Nat King Cole, and
Elvis.
Sentimental Journey captures not an artist but an entire era of incredible music in and around the years of World War II.
Adair was a child then, but her vivid memories of rationing, shortages, blackouts, and air-raid warnings are balanced by the hope raised by the popular songs of the time. Working with her trio including bassist Roger Spencer and drummer
Chris Brown, she brings jubilant life -- via spirited, colorful arrangements -- to tracks ranging from the finger-snapping swing of "Chattanooga Choo Choo," "A String of Pearls," and "Begin the Beguine" to easy-swaying elegant ballads like "Moonlight Serenade" and "I'll Never Smile Again." Although it's a joy listening to tasteful, eminently melodic takes on songs that have been heard (and covered) a thousand times ("I'll Be Seeing You," "In the Mood"),
Adair makes some slightly more obscure choices that will go a long way toward defining this powerful time in history (often called "the Greatest Generation") for the current generation. It's an engaging and magical way to pay honor to the sacrifice of U.S. soldiers of any time and place. ~ Jonathan Widran