SHERRI ROBERTS — Anybody’s Spring (review)

SHERRI ROBERTS — Anybody’s Spring album cover Album · 2017 · Vocal Jazz Buy this album from MMA partners
4/5 ·
Carmel
Can Spring be an eternal feeling, it can when its sung by vocalist Sherri Roberts. Her latest offering in a string of well-conceived albums is entitled Anbody’s Spring, and it does Spring eternal, with a bounce and a swing that will put an extra step in your day. Bouncy, full of lilt and firmly rooted in the jazz idiom, Roberts performs tunes that are a delightful foray of time-tested standards and Broadway classics.

A little background on Sherri’s discography. She has four recordings as a leader and her fifth, Anybody’s Spring, is accompanied by a bi-coastal ensemble, of Harvie S on bass, David Udolf on piano, Akira Tana on drums and Sheryl Bailey on guitar. Released in March of 2017 at the equinox, this newest recording is among a collection of standout recordings as follows: 2013’s Lovely Days, a duo session showcasing pianist Bliss Rodriguez and three collaborations with renowned bassist Harvie S: The Sky Could Send You (2006), Dreamsville (1998), Twilight World (1996).

So, let’s get into the blossom. The title track “Anybody’s Spring,” begins the journey, the nostalgic sound of Roberts voice has a certain authenticity that transports you to a time when jazz was aplenty. Her voice is unaffected and clean, delivering a ringing truth of the lyrics. Udolf and S create a mid-tempo, deep swinging feel, with Tana laying down a soft, yet effective swing that allows vocalist Roberts to float atop.

Continuing through the program, I found myself stopping at “They Say Its Spring,” Roberts shines on this tune in particular, her relaxed matter of fact vocal style fits nicely, like a pair of your best Sunday gloves, her voice sparkles and shimmers. The supportive ensemble is sensitive and not overpowering, while creating a solid solo section that is both engaging and finely tuned.

A ballad closes out the offering with “Spring Isn’t Everything,” a witty twist on the season, the lyric is brought to an effervescence with Roberts loveliness. Her voice is round and she laments Spring with purity and truly captures the merit of the lyric, written by Ralph Blane and Harry Warren, and made famous by Margaret Whiting who recorded the tune in February of 1947 with Frank DeVol and his Orchestra, Roberts gives this tune a proper reading with sincere reverence.

A delight from start to finish, Anybody’s Spring is an evergreen beauty, meant to be savored no matter the season. An album I intend to visit often myself.
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