ANDY JAMES

LET ME SEE YOUR HEART

LeCoq Records

Andy James, vocals; John Beasley, Fender Rhodes/piano/B3 organ; Jon Cowherd, piano/arranger/ Fender Rhodes; John Patitucci & Eric Wheeler, bass; Alex Acuna, percussion; Nate Smith & Jonathan Blake, drums; Chico Penheiro, Steve Cardenas & Larry Koonse, guitar; Ronnie Foster, B2 organ; Terrell Stafford, saxophone; Michael Dease, trombone; Bob Sheppard, alto flute; Joel Frahm, tenor saxophone; John Ellis, saxophone/bass clarinet.

I have been listening to Andy James’ music for a few years. Her last album was “Rhythm in New York” and she always sings like a lady in love.

The familiar Brubeck standard, “Take Five” is perfectly suited for the Andy James vocals. She swings it, and her band is magnificent, following suit. You can’t miss your mark when you are accompanied by folks like Alex Acuna on percussion, John Patitucci on bass, John Beasley and Jon Cowherd  on piano, with Nate Smith on drums, to list only a partial palate of the colorful players who brightly paint this project.

James rejuvenates the 1949 musical hit written by Rodgers and Hammerstein, from the stage play, South Pacific. It’s the popular tune “Bali Ha’i.” Some years back, Perry Como recorded this tune for RCA Victor records in his silky, smooth style. He made it a hit. I enjoy the way Andy James presents this song, singing the verse with expression and sincerity. The James rendition of New York State of Mind is fresh and improvised in her own unique way.

James has composed the title tune with three other writers, two of which have arranged this song: Bill Cunliffe and Piero Pata. The third composer is Santiago Interiano. I love the chord changes, but not the lyrics. This tune leans towards pop music and instead of promoting the title of the song and her album, she puts emphasis on the words “as time goes by.” Why?  It leaves me puzzled.  The same thing happens with the next original song titled, “Let’s Try.” I get the impression Andy James is writing the lyrics, which are all prose and don’t necessarily rhyme or support the titles. She records an Alan & Marilyn Bergman lyric, written with Michel Legrand. These are master songwriters. A lot can be learned from listening to how their lyrics fall comfortably with the musical phrases, rhyming on certain notes, while telling their poignant story.

James closes with another Bergman and Legrand masterpiece, “I Will Say Goodbye.” On this closing song, Andy James sounds lovely. She sings it with emotional believability. This album will be released to the public on August 9, 2024.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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