Single Review: Old Mother Hubbard from Naama Gheber

Single:  Old Mother Hubbard
Artist:  Naama Gheber
Release Date:  April 22, 2022
Websites:  https://www.naamagheber.com
https://open.spotify.com/artist/1KObvUW72IGgUzVi9oe60n

A veritable newcomer to swing, vocalist Naama Gheber demonstrates a keen instinct for cabaret blues and ragtime jazz.  Her melodic sensibilities are reminiscent of vintage Café Society's staples like Bessie Smith and Connie Haines.  Her forthcoming recording If I Knew Then, due out on November 4, 2022, is led by her single "Old Mother Hubbard" due to be released on April 22, 2022.

"Old Mother Hubbard," an old nursery rhyme from the 19th century, was tweaked by Ella Fitzgerald in the 1940's.  Resurfaced rarely since then, Gheber exhumed the tune from the coffers of the past and polished it with her glimmering timbres.  Her adaptation of the melody gives the track a 21st century luster, laden with a natural fluidity and zesty, swinging rhythmic pulse.  Her smooth versing showers optimism in the pleading lyrics as she muses, "Old Mother Hubbard closed out the cupboard / went out to the street / then the little dog moaned / if you can't get a bone / Hubbard bring me some meat / pork chops, chicken, fish bone / anything you see... Hubbard bring me some meat."

Born in Beér Sheva, Israel and presently based in New York City, Naama Gheber is a contemporary torchbearer of swing.  The sweet sounding emanations from her vocals is reminiscent of jazz age luminaries with a modern age glint.  The single is a sample of what audiences can anticipate from her forthcoming release If I Knew Then due out in November 2022.

Musicians:
Naama Gheber - vocals
Ben Paterson - piano
Neal Miner - bass
Euan Sherman - drums