2002

Something Cool

Tierney Sutton

Sutton’s third CD in as many years marks her rapid maturation into one of the most complete contemporary jazz singers, one who can range from high-speed scat to moody, emotion-charged ballads. She can fly through chord changes with genuine harmonic invention, as on her witty version of “Ding-dong! The Witch Is Dead,” (an arrangement recently performed on American Idol) while her wistful way with a ballad recalls June Christy on the title song. Her warmth shows “Crazy,” with pianist Christian Jacob’s jazz harmonies helping to develop Sutton’s personal take on the country standard.

She’s joined here by her working trio of Jacob, Trey Henry on bass, and Ray Brinker on drums, and the group sounds both inspired and inspiring, alert to the nuances in Sutton’s vocals and quick to supply any needed stimulus. The trio’s welling power on the modally inflected “Out of this World” prods Sutton to some stunning high notes, while several special moments arise between Sutton and Henry, as on “Alone Together,” with her voice intertwining with his elastic bass glissandos. This is varied and entertaining work, with Sutton’s musicianship apparent throughout.