Singer, radio show host and doer of all things jazz in West Sussex, Jenny Green has just released her second CD, Always and Forever. As fellow jazz vocalist Gill Manly states: “Beautifully produced by Claire Martin and accompanied by the cream of British jazz. Jenny’s voice soars across a gorgeous collection of well-chosen songs effortlessly. Fans of Jenny will treasure this.” Indeed! I couldn’t agree more.
Alongside Green and producer Claire Martin are a hand-picked band of eloquent musicians; together they have collectively produced an engaging and diverse collection of songs. Multi genres abound harmoniously, from 1960s anthems like Don’t Sleep On The Subway, Mancini’s Slow Hot Wind and the Leigh/Coleman classic When In Rome to 1970s disco theme, Always and Forever, by celebrated Brit songwriter Rod Temperton. A 1998 Costello/Bacharach collaboration, Painted From Memory, is thrown in as well. Green’s nod to 1930s chestnuts are represented by Ray Noble’s The Touch Of Your Lips and the Arlen/Koehler classic, Between The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea.
Always and Forever is a virtual time travel of the better part of the 20th Century songbook, all delivered fully and ably by Green’s magnificent and varied interpretations.
The standout band plays a major role, of course. The piano and arranging chores are shared equally by Adrian York and Rob Barron, both of whom contribute their respective strengths in the different genres. The sturdy bass work of Neville Malcolm bolsters and shines throughout as does the drumming of Winston Clifford, who also adds vocal backing (along with Claire Martin) on Painted From Memory. Co-producer, engineer and trombonist Chris Traves dishes up two solo cameos on The Touch Of Your Lips and the Martinez/Fagen song Do Wrong Shoes to boot.
What’s not to like? Jenny Green’s Always and Forever is a gem, indeed. Get your hot little hands on this drastic plastic – sharpish.
Frank Griffith is a sax and clarinet player, based in Liverpool. His weekly radio show “Grifftides – Jazz Under Arrest” can be heard on Thursdays at 9PM on www.mykindamusic24.com