You Gotta Pay the Band

iTunes Review

Poetic reflection and mature wisdom are the order of the day on Abbey Lincoln’s You Gotta Pay the Band, an outstanding set from this evergreen artist. Heading the truly stellar line-up of guest players, Stan Getz's signature misty-toned tenor sax is a perfect match for Lincoln’s yearning vocals. Hank Jones’ piano and Charlie Haden’s bass are likewise crucial to defining the finely wrought contours of the music. Lincoln contributes some striking original tunes, including the plaintive “Bird Alone,” the spiritually resonant “When I’m Called Home” and the quirky, slightly unsettling “You Made Me Funny.” Her philosophic flights are grounded by a sense of everyday reality — the title number, for instance, reminds us that pleasures come with a price tag. Though the mood here has a bittersweet tinge overall, Lincoln does brighten things up with the easy-swinging “Up Jumped Spring.” Her bluesy treatment of “Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?” gives Getz room to take a heart-tugging sax break. At once tender and rueful, You Gotta Pay the Band delivers on all counts.