It is difficult not to be impressed by
Teri Roiger's
Still Life.
Roiger has a small voice but, like
Sheila Jordan, she knows exactly what to do with it and is constantly stretching herself. Her repertoire is quite fascinating, starting off with a
Herbie Nichols song, including
Billy Strayhorn's lesser-known "Maybe," and featuring two songs (including "Joie de Vivre," which is heard twice) for which she wrote lyrics to
Dewey Redman's music in addition to two numbers of her own. "I Just Got Back in Town" has her singing
Eddie Jefferson's words to
James Moody's improvisation on "I Cover the Waterfront," and she also fares well on the only standards of the set, "That Old Devil Called Love" and "Straight, No Chaser." Of the supporting cast, accordionist
Gil Goldstein is a strong asset during his four appearances, pianist
Frank Kimbrough leads a fine rhythm section, and bassist John Menegan shares the vocal with
Roiger on his "Twilight Delight." There is not a slow moment on this well-conceived outing, which is easily recommended. ~ Scott Yanow