Celebrated West Coast jazz vocalist Judy Wexler is back with her seventh album, No Wonder, set for release on January 24, 2025. Known for her emotionally resonant voice and distinctive interpretations of lyrics, Wexler’s latest project marks her first full exploration of songs from the Great American Songbook.
A Stellar Career Defined by Unconventional Repertoire
With a 20-year career that has established her as one of the most captivating jazz vocalists on the West Coast, Wexler has built a reputation for defying convention. She’s known for taking on material that often lies off the beaten path. In 2021, her album Back to the Garden presented 1960s pop tunes through sophisticated jazz arrangements, while in 2019, she explored contemporary jazz with Crowded Heart, showcasing rare gems by modern jazz artists.
As Dan Bilawsky of All About Jazz puts it, "Judy Wexler is more than a mere singer of songs. She’s an actress, mood painter, song archaeologist, and vocalist par excellence."
Now, in No Wonder, Wexler embraces the classic songs of the American jazz canon, adding her unique stamp of interpretation with the help of Jeff Colella, her longtime pianist and arranger, who co-produced the album.
The Heart of No Wonder: Personal Interpretations of Timeless Standards
The album's title track, "No Wonder", written by vocalist and songwriter Luciana Souza, opens the collection with an irresistibly energetic performance by Wexler. Souza’s original composition sets the tone for an album filled with vibrant and nuanced takes on beloved standards. Wexler’s voice, warm and intimate, brings depth to each piece, whether it’s the evocative, noir-inspired treatment of Michel Legrand’s "The Summer Knows" or the West Coast cool of "You Stepped Out of a Dream".
A longtime admirer of Kitty Margolis, Wexler adds her own lyrics to Cedar Walton’s hard-bop instrumental “Firm Roots,” retitled "Firm Roots (Are What You Need to Win)". The track features fiery trumpet and drum solos, showcasing Wexler’s natural ability to swing with ease.
Wexler also revisits Henry Mancini's iconic "Slow Hot Wind" with a sultry arrangement, featuring Bob Sheppard on sensuous soprano sax. Another highlight is her playful take on Blossom Dearie's classic "I Wish You Love," with a spirited arrangement by Brian Swartz that features a fun soli with Danny Janklow on tenor sax.
A Unique Blend of Styles
For a unique twist on Leonard Cohen’s "Dance Me to the End of Love", Wexler asked Colella to arrange the song in Klezmer style. This emotional rendition, paired with Sheppard’s plaintive clarinet and a captivating guitar solo from Larry Koonse, is a standout track.
The album closes with a stripped-down version of "The Night We Called It a Day", a classic recorded by everyone from Frank Sinatra to Bob Dylan. Wexler’s wistful vocals are supported only by Colella’s subtle, sensitive piano work, offering a moment of pure intimacy to close the album.
A Team of A-List Musicians
Wexler’s stunning vocal delivery is complemented by a stellar group of musicians who elevate the album with their masterful musicianship. The ensemble includes some of the busiest and most respected players in the Los Angeles jazz scene: Danny Janklow (Stevie Wonder, Wayne Shorter), Bob Sheppard (Joni Mitchell, Chick Corea), Jay Jennings (Snarky Puppy), Larry Koonse (John Patitucci, Luciana Souza), Gabe Davis (Arturo Sandoval), and Steve Hass (Christian McBride, The Manhattan Transfer).
The arrangements, primarily written and produced by Colella, give each track an innovative touch, reflecting his deep understanding of Wexler's vocal style and strengths.
Wexler’s Storytelling and Musicality Shine Through
Wexler’s ability to tell a story through song has always been one of her greatest strengths. On No Wonder, she brings a depth of emotion, shifting rhythms, and creative melodic variations, allowing the narrative of each song to unfold in a way that is both intimate and grand.
As always, her voice is at the forefront, delivering subtle twists in phrasing and use of dynamics that keep listeners engaged from start to finish. Her voice is not just a tool for singing—it’s an instrument of expression, capturing the essence of the music while adding her own distinctive flair.
A Must-Listen for Jazz and Vocal Fans
With No Wonder, Judy Wexler continues to prove that she is more than just a jazz vocalist. She is a master interpreter, a storyteller, and a true artist who can imbue classic songs with fresh life. This album offers a sophisticated blend of vocal artistry, innovative arrangements, and top-notch musicianship, making it an essential listen for both jazz aficionados and fans of beautiful, soulful music.
No Wonder will be available digitally on January 24, 2025, through Jewel City Jazz/A-Train Entertainment, with physical copies available on Amazon, Bandcamp, and other retail outlets.
Tracklist:
- No Wonder
- The Summer Knows
- You Stepped Out of a Dream
- Never Will I Marry
- Firm Roots (Are What You Need to Win)
- Slow Hot Wind
- I Wish You Love
- Dance Me to the End of Love
- That Sunday, That Summer
- A Weaver of Dreams
- The Night We Called It a Day
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