Take Love Easy (Bonus Track Edition)

iTunes Review

Spicing up her jazz standards with rock selections, Juno-winning Canadian singer Sophie Milman stretches out a bit as she applies her supple, smoky alto to tunes from songwriters as diverse as Duke Ellington and Bruce Springsteen. Milman doesn’t let her considerable technical ability lead her away from a lyric’s meaning — even when she’s scatting her heart out on Paul Simon’s “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover,” she captures the subtle ironies of its words. Backed by a crisp, fluent combo, she sails joyously on “That Is Love” and “Day In, Day Out.” Her rendition of the title tune is a particular delight, a mix of girlish fun and sober reflection. Tunes like Joni Mitchell’s “Be Cool” allow her to slink along with hipster panache, while Springsteen’s “I’m On Fire” deviates from the original version in revelatory ways. While this album mostly avoids melancholy moods, a sad and dreamy take on “Where Do You Start?” stands out as a high point. By taking chances, Take Love Easy helps secure Milman’s stature as an artist on the rise.