Album:  Touch & Go
Artist:  Susan Tobocman
Label:  Self-Released
Website:  susantobocman.com
                facebook.com/susantobocmanmusic

Vocalist Susan Tobocman makes an indelible mark as a striking arranger, writer and jazz singer with her fourth release as a leader named Touch & Go.  Produced by Tobocman and her guitarist Pete McCann, the recording contains five original tracks written by Tobocman, two instrumentals, three covers of classic pop tunes, and two reimaginations of jazz standards.  One standard being "What'll I Do" penned by Irving Berlin, and the other is "The Man I Love," a bedrock in George Gershwin's catalog that Tobocman performs at a vibrant swinging tempo.

Tobocman's vocals nuzzle the words, pronouncing poignant syllables in the lyrics of "Wichita Lineman," making her impressions cling in the listener's mind.  A hit song written by Jimmy Webb and made popular by Glen Campbell, Tobocman's treatment of the track reverses the narrator's perception, singing the song from the perspective of a woman in love with the man, the object of her affection who is unaware of her feelings.  The sentiment echoed in the narrator's words is palpable in Tobocman's interpretation.

The two instrumentals, "Leaves of Absence" and the title track express a moonlight shimmer in the horns that is pure straight-ahead jazz.  The lulling pulse in the tracks elicit a dreamy state in listener's thoughts.  Her remake of the Beatles classic number "Help!" offer two renditions.  The first is shroud in a reposing atmosphere while the second one has more power pop fringes thronged in blazing guitar shreds.  Her remodeling of the James Bond theme song "You Only Live Twice" is swirled in Latin-embossed accents that engulf the listener in an uplifting whirlwind.

The smooth and airy feel of Tobocman's vocals make her performance a caressing breath moving like a light breeze across the listener's ears.  Finessing the arrangements to a mesmerizing glisten, Tobocman's charismatic vocal strokes display a mastery of the jazz repertoire that transcends the ages.

Musicians:
Susan Tobocman - vocals
Joel Frahm -  tenor & soprano sax
Dave Eggar -  cello
Pete McCann -  acoustic & electric guitar
Henry Hey -  piano & Fender Rhodes
Matt Pavolka -  acoustic & electric bass
Micheal Sarin -  drums


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