Magnet

Album Review

Pamela Luss' third CD for Savant is her most rewarding thus far. That is due to an inspired repertoire, her increasingly mature interpretations of lyrics, and an indescribable magic that occurs on most of these selections. Luss is a jazz singer who does not scat, she sticks to the lyrics, and she keeps her improvisations consistently melodic. The improvising is in her placement of notes and in the feeling that she gives to the words. While she at times displays a high voice, particularly during the first few selections of Magnet, at other times she sounds surprisingly comfortable in her lower register. Pianist John DiMartino, who contributed most of the arrangements for this project, is a major asset. The variety, which is emphasized in the arrangements, can be felt in a repertoire that ranges from a heartfelt "Why Did I Choose You" and the ironic "No, Not Much" to the sentimental "Glad to Be Unhappy," a slow ballad version of "Quiet Nights" (with no bossa nova in sight) and a cooking "More." Accompanied by a top-notch rhythm section (with three different bassists taking turns), Luss is also occasionally joined by a horn player (tenor great Houston Person is on six selections) and takes "No, Not Much" as a vocal duet with Freddy Cole. This well-conceived set is highly recommended.