Versatile, resourceful, and genuine,
Dena de Rose is without a doubt one of jazz's most underrated singers. Her fourth Sharp Nine outing again showcases not only her refined vocal and piano abilities, but also her meticulously expressive approach to arranging. Adding Sara Della Posta's French horn on three tracks, including a disarmingly moving version of "The Good Life," is one small but significant example. Others include the funk groove and broken-up lines that begin "Birk's Works," the combination of
Jim Rotondi's processed trumpet and
Joe Locke's vibes on "Close Your Eyes," and the wily shift to D minor (rather than the usual F major) on the first eight bars of "I Thought About You." (It's well worth reading
de Rose's self-penned liner notes for more background on these and other inspired touches.) Backed by bassist
Peter Washington and drummer
Matt Wilson, with substantial assistance from trombonist
Steve Davis and trumpeter
Tony Kadleck in addition to
Rotondi and
Locke,
de Rose puts her distinctive stamp even on such well-known numbers as "On Green Dolphin Street" and "Lover." Her two instrumental originals, "The Iris" and "Marian's Mood," make for some of the best music on the disc. In addition, trumpeter
Brian Lynch stops in for a wonderfully sparse duo rendition of "But Beautiful" and pianist
Bill Charlap helps close out the record with "The Nearness of You," giving
de Rose's hands a rest. ~ David R. Adler