Album Review: If I Knew Then from Naama Gheber

Album:  If I Knew Then
Artist:  Naama Gheber
Website:  https://www.naamagheber.com

Vocalist Naama Gheber illuminates a cache of swing era standards on her sophomore release If I Knew Then with her alluring timbres and smooth, tranquilizing glide.  Gheber's revamping of classic tunes like Cole Porter's jazz ballad "Dream Dancing," Frank Sinatra, Jack Wolf and Joel Herron's reflective serenade "I'm A Fool To Want You," and the title track written by Dick Jurgens and Eddy Howard, induces a succor effect on listeners.  She demonstrates a poise and elegance in her delivery that produces an intimacy with her audience, which heightens the listening experience.

Her interpretation of Cole Porter's 1941 spellbinding melody "Dream Dancing" is adorned in shimmery percussive trimmings that wind around her charismatic vocal stride as she muses about a phantom partner, "So say you love me, dear / And let me make my career
Dream dancing, dream dancing with you."  The dreamy ambience enhances the hypnotic sway of her voice, turning to a candlelight aria in "The Very Thought Of You," a trademark tune for Nat King Cole written by Ray Noble in 1934.  The heavenly feel of her vocals is uplifting, having a tranquilizing effect on listeners.

Carrying along with the dreaming theme, her remodeling of "Dream of You," a 1934 jazz standard made popular by bandleader Jimmie Lunceford, shows Gheber's vocals supported by the light pumping bass throbs of Neal Miner.  The elegant nuances in her vocals give the tune a natural gait while articulating an enduring affection that audiences are cognizant of relating to.  A genuine characteristic found in the offerings of swing era vocalists.  The Latin accents sprinkled across "You're Driving Me Crazy," a swinging tune composed by Walter Donaldson in 1930, brings out another side of Gheber's vocalese, emoting a seductive purr that cruises into a bopping strut.

Gheber's second solo endeavor cements her as a riveting frontwoman and stirring jazz singer.  Accompanied by pianist Ben Paterson, bassist Neal Miner, and drummer Evan Sherman, Gheber does not simply rehash timeless classics but she enlivens them, remodels them, and breathes vitality into them.  Her contemporary perspective and spirited delivery of swing era standards charms the listener, inciting a deep appreciation for swing jazz-infused melodies.

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