New Music From: Kandace Springs, Swing Out Sister and The Super Trio: Massimo Farao / Ron Carter / Jimmy Cobb

Kandace Springs - Indigo

If Kandace Springs' new album Indigo sounds like something new, that's because it is. Simple while funky. Classic but contemporary. Straightforward in the way it breaks down complex ideas and genres. And, at the end of the day, undeniably human. That said, it isn't quite a rebirth for the Nashville-born artist, who after stints living in New York and Los Angeles has returned back home to Music City. She's long had that lithe and smoky voice and an intensely expressive mastery over the piano. For those paying attention, Kandace's second album finds her unleashing what was there all along, all at once, for the first time. Includes Don't Need The Real Thing; Breakdown; Fix Me; Indigo Part 1; Piece Of Me; Six Eight; Indigo Part 2; People Make The World Go 'Round; Unsophisticated; Black Orchid; Love Sucks; The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face; and Simple Things.

Swing Out Sister – Almost Persuaded

Wonderful work from Swing Out Sister – a group who've matured wonderfully in their years away from the charts – even if most of their best records, like this one, are a special secret for a small and selective audience! Corinne Drewery's always had a wonderful voice, but the years just keep making it better and better – not just the warmly jazzy sound that popped up when the group first made waves in the late 80s, but this very personal, very soulful style that's unlike anyone else we can think of – and which really fits the spirit of the tunes on the set! Andy Connell is great, as always – handling all the musical details with lots of jazzy flourishes – including his own work on keyboards and vibes – augmented by just the right use of some larger arrangements. Titles include "Don't Give The Game Away", "Happier Than The Sunshine", "Be My Valentine", "Something Deep In Your Heart", "I Wish I Knew", "Until Tomorrow Forgets", "Almost Persuaded", and "All In A Heartbeat".  ~ Dusty Groove

The Super Trio: Massimo Farao / Ron Carter / Jimmy Cobb - Softly As In A Morning Sunrise

There's a great sense of warmth to this album from The Super Trio – one that really seems to come from the bass work of Ron Carter, which is so upfront and present in the recording, it's got us remembering all over again why we love his music so much! Massimo Farao is on piano, and balances out Ron's sound with a lighter, more lyrical touch – but one that swings nicely, too – thanks to the always-great drum contributions of Jimmy Cobb – still a master of the understated swing, even after decades of recording! Titles include the original "Marta", plus "Salina", "Autumn Leaves", "Softly As In A Morning Sunrise", "On A Clear day", and Ennio Morricone's "Once Upon A Time In America" – which sounds surprisingly nice as a jazz tune. ~ Dusty Groove