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Zena James

Tell Me More

Jazzizit JITCD 0643

In an increasingly crowded field, singer Zena James more than holds her own on this, her debut album.

Her voice has a flexile strength particularly well suited to soul- and gospel-laced material (here best represented by Smokey Robinson's 'Who's Lovin' You?', but also apparent in the bluesy renditions of Billie Holiday's 'Fine and Mellow' and Billy Myles's 'My Love is'), but she is also capable of more restrained grace and poise ('You've Changed' is addressed with touching drama; Abbey Lincoln's 'Throw It Away' with thoughtful dignity).

Well served by a gutsily sympathetic band ¨ saxophonist Simon Allen, bassist Geoff Gascoyne, drummer Mike Bradley and keyboard player Geoff Castle ¨ James sounds the real deal: relaxed and informally intimate yet unaffectedly musical, with an intelligent approach to the familiar lyric ('You're My Thrill', 'Blue Skies') and a good ear for a neglected or taken-for-granted classic.

A fine appetiser for what promises to be a powerful live act.