Something Good

4-Stars The American jazz singer Kelley Johnson has twice been elected as international musical ambassador, and that since her debut 'Make Someone Happy' (1998) with Fred Hersch. She grew up in the Midwest of the USA, and her mother flooded her with music from the sixties, seventies, R&B, country, jazz and especially blues. When the family moved to Milwaukee, Kelley was in love with jazz. She graduated from the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music and eventually ended up in Seattle. For her latest album she chose 10 songs from the Great American Songbook. Kelley is assisted by her husband John Hansen on piano, Michael Glynn on bass, Kendrick Scott on drums and Jay Thomas on sax and trumpet. Stephen Sondheim's 'Anyone Can Whistle' opens, followed by 'Goodbye to Love' by The Carpenters. Cole Porter's 'You Do Something to Me' is the next track that brings Kelley in a gentle way, and for 'Lullaby of Birdland' she goes on the calm swing tour. Cole Porter's sensual 'Let's Do it' follows, after which 'Some other Time' entails unexpected twists. Carmen McRae's 'Tip Toe Gently' comes afterwards, and Nat King Cole's 'Unforgettable' contains a seductive, muted trumpet. She closes with the up-tempo 'You for Me' and 'Something Good' (from 'The Sound of Music'). Kelley knows how to create a soft jazz atmosphere, reminiscent of Carmen McCrae and Anita O'Day.

Translated from Flemish