Jazzinit

Backed by pianist Tony Foster, bassist Russ Botten, and drummer Greg Williamson, Vancouver-based singer Dee Daniels has selected tunes across a number of genres and infused them with her own touch on Jazzinit. In the liner notes Daniels talks of growing up with gospel and blues music, and this influence clearly shaped Jazzinit; the result is a grooving set with the authentic feel of someone who is clearly in her element.

From a slow and smokey rendering of Stevie Wonder's "Another Star" to an uncommonly swinging performance of James Taylor's "Fire and Rain," the dominant influence on much of this album is that of blues, gospel, and R&B. Daniels sounds at home in these tunes, and the delight she finds in these performances is infectious.

The syncopated groove of "What a Fool Believes," an emotive take on Lionel Richie's "Hello," and the soft Latin of "If" diverge from the feel of much of this album, and here as well Daniels proves capable. Her familiarity with the terrain is again made obvious through a confident style and a willingness to add her own inflection.

For its wide-ranging origins, the album finds a unifying element in Daniels' performance. Her poised style and tone work well throughout the swing, shuffle, ballads and half-time funk found here, and serve to add a sense of continuity to a diverse set of tunes.

Daniels is supported impeccably by her rhythm section throughout this album. Their playing is musical and tasteful, and all three certainly sound as though they share Daniels' familiarity with this music. Williamson in particular has an unassuming playing style that drives without overpowering. The band, propelled by Botten's bass, is in particularly fine form on "Love Me Tender." In all, this is unique approach to a set of well-known tunes, with superb performances all around.

From a slow and smokey rendering of Stevie Wonder's "Another Star" to an uncommonly swinging performance of Jame Taylor's "Fire and Rain," the dominant influence on much of this album is that of blues, gospel, and R&B. Daniels sounds at home in these tunes, and the delight she finds in these performances is infectious.

The syncopated groove of "What a Fool Believes," an emotive take on Lionel Richie's "Hello," and the soft Latin of "If" diverge from the feel of much of this album, and here as well Daniels proves capable. Her familiarity with the terrain is again made obvious through a confident style and a willingness to add her own inflection.

For its wide-ranging origins, the album finds a unifying element in Daniels' performance. Her poised style and tone work well throughout the swing, shuffle, ballads and half-time funk found here, and serve to add a sense of continuity to a diverse set of tunes.

Daniels is supported impeccably by her rhythm section throughout this album. Their playing is musical and tasteful, and all three certainly sound as though they share Daniels' familiarity with this music. Williamson in particular has an unassuming playing style that drives without overpowering. The band, propelled by Botton's bass, is in particularly fine form on "Love Me Tender." In all, this is unique approach to a set of well-known tunes, with superb performances all around.