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Jazz Articles » Album Review » Judy Wexler: No Wonder
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data-original-title=”” title=””>Judy Wexler imbues every song she touches with a sense of realism, wonder and depth that’s ever so rare. An inimitable artist, this celebrated singer adds volumes to each story she encounters, be it a post-millennial jazz tune, ’60s counterculture anthem, glimmering Brazilian jewel or any number of other finds.
In the case of No WonderWexler’s seventh album, arriving two decades after her debutshe demonstrates her gifts with a marked emphasis on standards. Longtime collaborator/pianist
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data-original-title=”” title=””>Jeff Colella‘s two-horn take on “Delilah””Dreams and Shadows,” from Wexler’s same-named 2008 albumserved as something of a model and compass pointing toward a desired sonic direction for this project, guiding singer and arranger in putting the pieces together. The resultsa dozen dazzlers that speak to Wexler’s sophisticated delivery, Colella’s keen work with pen and piano, a personnel list that’s totally in sync with the leader’s sensibilities, and the strength and malleability of the materialare pure magic.
Opening with one of the album’s two non-Colella arrangements and the lone modern-era inclusionthe title track, written and arranged by vocalist
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data-original-title=”” title=””>Luciana SouzaWexler exhibits a perfect balance between fluidity and precision while radiating real emotional energy atop a flowing ensemble driven by drummer
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data-original-title=”” title=””>Steve Haas‘ deft stick work and enlivened by
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data-original-title=”” title=””>Danny Janklow‘s tenor saxophone. “The Summer Knows,” set in motion with
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data-original-title=”” title=””>Gabe Davis‘ alluring bass line, benefits from Colella’s piano chording and coloring plus ”
data-original-title=”” title=””>Jay Jennings‘ moody muted trumpet.
“You Stepped Out of a Dream,” vacillating between an attractively ambling swing and steady walking feel, and “Never Will I Marry,” swaying with a focused finesse, each put Wexler’s interpretive powers on display in wholly familiar yet personalized settings; and “Wish You Were Here,” graced by guitarist
Larry Koonse
guitar, electric
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data-original-title=”” title=””>Larry Koonse‘s elegant electric, goes the other way, demonstrating how she makes lesser-known lovelies her own. From there Wexler and company ride high on
Cedar Walton
piano
1934 – 2013
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data-original-title=”” title=””>Cedar Walton‘s “Firm Roots” (with
Kitty Margolis
vocals
b.1955
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data-original-title=”” title=””>Kitty Margolis‘ lyrics in play), seduce on
Henry Mancini
composer / conductor
b.1924
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data-original-title=”” title=””>Henry Mancini‘s “Slow Hot Wind” (featuring
Bob Sheppard
saxophone, tenor
b.1952
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data-original-title=”” title=””>Bob Sheppard‘s enchanting soprano saxophone), move from rubato introductions to swinging songcraft on a
Brian Swartz
trumpet
b.1967
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data-original-title=”” title=””>Brian Swartz-arranged “I Wish You Love,” and briefly depart from standards territory with a riveting, klezmer-dusted take on
Leonard Cohen
vocals
1934 – 2016
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data-original-title=”” title=””>Leonard Cohen‘s “Dance Me to the End of Love.”
Nat King Cole
piano and vocals
1919 – 1965
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data-original-title=”” title=””>Nat King Cole with two entries that he introduced into the canonthe oft-ignored “That Sunday, That Summer” and the frequently-covered “A Weaver of Dreams”Wexler proves genuine and judicious in conveyance. Then, trimming away personnel, she settles in with the core of Colella, Davis and Hass for “The Night We Called It a Day.” Highlighting a simpatico partnership with her rhythm section on the way out the door, this leader also shows what sensitivity and subtlety are all about. Playing on the album title with all sincerity here, it must be said that it’s no wonder that acclaim follows Judy Wexler wherever she goes. This is one artist who’s always on point.
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Track Listing
No Wonder; The Summer knows; You Stepped Out of a Dream; Never Will I Marry; Wish You Were
Here; Firm Roots (Are What Yu Need to Win); Slow Hot Wind; I Wish You Love; Dance Me to the End
of Love; That Sunday, That Summer; A Weaver of Dreams; The Night We Called It a Day.
Personnel
Album information
Title: No Wonder
| Year Released: 2025
| Record Label: Jewel City Jazz
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