One of the most compelling and ambitious jazz vocal albums of the year is In Her Words, a new recording by vocalists Lucy Yeghiazaryan and Vanisha Gould. Like a number of recent jazz albums by female vocalists reviewed here, this one joyfully steers clear of the American songbook—a dusty and lazy resource for true jazz singers of 2021.
Six of the 12 songs are by Gould and one is by Lucy (who arranged five). The remaining five songs are by other composers, including Nobody's Heart (Belongs to Me) by Rodgers and Hart; Gone Again by Curley Hamner, Curtis Lewis and Gladys Hampton, wife of Lionel Hampton; My Man by Billie Holiday and Maurice Yvain; Patty McGovern's Love Isn't Everything; and Moments Like This by Burton Lane and Frank Loesser.
As you'll hear, the five mentioned above are beautiful boutique standards. Yes, My Man and Nobody's Heart are fairly well known, but they're good choices just the same and splendidly executed. There are hundreds of great songs by terrific composers that are simply overlooked by many singers who seem content to take on the same tired stuff. All it takes is a little effort to find new ones.
Of the album's 12 songs, here's how Lucy and Vanisha divided up the vocals:
- The Game: Lucy Yeghiazaryan
- Gypsy Feet: Vanisha Gould
- Nobody's Heart (Belongs to Me): Lucy Yeghiazaryan
- Hey Baby: Lucy Yeghiazaryan with Richard Cortez
- Look This Way: Vanisha Gould
- Gone Again: Lucy Yeghiazaryan
- Trapped in This Room: Vanisha Gould
- My Man: Lucy Yeghiazaryan
- Interlude: Lucy Yeghiazaryan
- Love Isn't Everything: Lucy Yeghiazaryan
- Cute Boy: Vanisha Gould
- Moments Like This: Lucy Yeghiazaryan
I interviewed Lucy back in April here. As this new album demonstrates, she continues to make increasingly sophisticated choices. Lucy's and Vanisha's talent and determination to break new ground are rewarding and commendable, and the knowing sound of their clean, warm vocal styles with roots in the 1950s is simultaneously new and familiar.
The album's instrumental backdrop is quite a magic trick. Joining Lucy and Vanisha are guitarist Eric Zolan, bassist Dan Pappalrdo, cellist Kate Victor, and violinist Ludovica Burtone. A trick because it sounds like a much fuller ensemble. The arrangements by Lucy, Chris McCarthy and Dan Pappalardo aren't traditional and offer just enough of a frame to be a minimalist, luxe accompaniment. As for the album's theme described in the notes as "an unabashedly intimate recording that offers a glimpse into the private lives of women told from their unique perspectives," it's a nifty and revealing concept.
The jazz vocal must move beyond Broadway of the 1930s if it is to remain interesting and survive. I'm guessing Lucy came across Nancy Overton singing Nobody's Heart with Bob Brookmeyer in 1954 and Dinah Washington's He's Gone Again in 1962. Happily, more female vocalists are breaking with the songbook habit, whether they take on folk-rock songs of the 1960s, French pop, country catalogs or roll up their sleeves and collaborate with others on compelling new originals. Add Lucy and Vanisha to the list. These songs come alive with hip elegance and depth. Don't miss out on this one.
The album project was generously funded by a grant by the New York Foundation Arts 2020 Women’s Fund.
JazzWax tracks: You'll find Lucy Yeghiazaryan and Vanisha Gould's In Her Words (Made in NY) here.
JazzWax clips: Here's Lucy singing Vanisha's The Game...
Here's Vanisha singing Look This Way...
And here's Lucy on Moments Like This...
