February 20, 2009

The Orchard

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Wright’s collaboration with Craig Street continues on The Orchard. While her prior releases boasted contributions from some of the jazz world’s most respected jazz players, The Orchard features an eclectic cast that includes noted singer/songwriter Toshi Reagon, who co-wrote several songs with Wright; Calexico members Joey Burns and John Convertino; avant-guitar hero Oren Bloedow; longtime Bob Dylan sideman Larry Campbell; Ollabelle member Glenn Patscha; and guest vocalists Catherine Russell and Marc Anthony Thompson (aka Chocolate Genius).

Blossom Dearie

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Blossom Dearie

That’s her real name and this is her real voice, as fresh and sweet as the darling buds of May–but never cloying or precious. Fittingly, there’s a bright, springtime theme running through this record, which includes “It Might as Well Be Spring,” “A Fine Spring Morning,” and the CD bonus track “They Say It’s Spring.” And since Ms. Dearie had recently returned from a few years in France in 1956 when she recorded this, her first U.S. album, there are also some chansons in zee language of love: “Comment Allez Vous,” “Tout Doucement,” and the aforementioned “It Might As Well Be Printemps.” The only thing missing is “April in Paris.” Dearie accompanies herself on piano, with Ray Brown (bass) and Jo Jones (drums)–and on some tracks a six-voice chorus. If Chet Baker and Betty Boop had a baby, she’d be Blossom Dearie–and this first-rate album catches her in the springtime of her career. –Jim Emerson