Album Review: Close Your Eyes from Carolyn Lee Jones

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Album:  Close Your Eyes
Artist:  Carolyn Lee Jones
Label:  Catn'round Sound
Website:  www.carolynleejones.com

Cabaret jazz had a place in each decade of the 20th century with its leading vocalists from blues singer Bessie Smith to jazz crooner Michael Feinstein.  Often characterized as burlesque music and bohemian blues, singer Carolyn Lee Jones revamps the cabaret style on her fourth release Close Your Eyes.  From the gentle amble of the storytelling verses in "I Was a Fool" to the enthusiastic splashing of the horns and the grooving swells rollicking along "That Old Black Magic," Jones embraces the multiple aspects of the cabaret culture and infuses a modern twist into jazz favorites.

The bossa nova trimmings of "Can't Take My Eyes Off of You" silhouette Jones's vocals like a silk glove, embellished by Daniel Pardo's tweeting flute.  The swinging vibe of the horns shower lively sparkles across "When I Found You" as Jones's vocals move to a rhythmic chorus-line kick.  The lulling ruminations of the piano cradle Jones's vocals in "Confession," projecting a reflective mood. 

The recording switches to a bohemian bluesy tone in the trombones waddling along "All Night Long," softly kindling Jones's whispery vocals, then segues into the misty ethers of "I Only Have Eyes for You."  Her treatment of "My Foolish Heart" gives life to the dreamy vibe of the lyrics as her voals rustle tenderly, laced with amorous affection, "These lips are much to close to mine / Beware my foolish heart / And should our eager lips combine / Then let, let the fire start."

Close Your Eyes is an assortment of cabaret style tunes, speaking intimately and honestly to audiences, bringing to light the vulnerability inherent in human emotions.  Jones exercises her ability to be intimate with the listener, and likely to externalize her own feelings into the physical form of music.  Her vocals vibrate stronger than a chanteuse, resonating a soulful attachment to the lyrics and style of music.

Musicians:
Carolyn Lee Jones - vocals
Brad Williams - piano, synthesizer, and Hammond organ
Sergio Pamies - piano
Jonathan Fisher - upright bass
Young Heo - upright bass
Jeffry Eckels - upright bass
Jeff Plant - electric bass
Andrew Griffith - drums
Dennis Durick - drums
Lupe Barerra - drums
Matt Young - drums
Arno Lucas - percussion
Todd Parsnow - electric guitar
Joe Lee - electric guitar
Pepe Valdez - acoustic guitar
Tony Baker - trombone
Dave Pierce - trombone
Pete Clagett - trumpet
Daniel Pardo - flutes
Dave Monsch - tenor and baritone saxophones

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