Kelsey Jillette: Turn Out the Stars
Musicians:
Kelsey Jillette (vocals, shakers),
Tom Abbott (baritone sax), Brad Whiteley (B-3 organ), Hiro Honma (guitar), Adam Pache (drums)
.Composed by Bill Evans & Gene Lees
.Recorded: New York, 2008
Rating: 91/100 (learn more)
What a pleasure it is to hear the talented jazz vocalist Kelsey Jillette. Above and beyond her distinctive voice, and the talented musicians she has surrounded herself with, is an admiration for the material she has chosen to interpret. The songs range from composers such as Rodgers & Hart, Fats Waller, and Billy Strayhorn to Paul Simon. Each presentation is 100% modern in arrangement, instrumentation and style.
Music author Gene Lees wrote the lyrics to the classic Bill Evans melody "Turn out the Stars," which Jillette sings above a shuffle intro. She has an intriguing voice. It is breathy, yet has a deepness at the same time. She enunciates in a cool emphatic manner that compels you to listen to every word. The instrumental break is proof that the Kelsey Jillette Group is not simply a backing band for a talented vocalist. Drummer Adam Pache's beats support the very fine efforts of guitarist Hiro Honma, baritone saxophonist Tom Abbott and B-3 player Brad Whiteley. On "Turn out the Stars," Whiteley's role is especially impressive. (He and Jillette arranged the piece as well, which may be a clue to his performance.) The Kelsey Jillette Group is the real deal. You need to give them a listen.
Reviewer: Walter Kolosky
Tags: 2000s jazz · bill evans covers · jazz vocals · turn out the stars
I agree. I also love her vocal range
Kelsey possesses a superior instrument which has an extraordinary range. Her abilities to "scat" her vocals, approach the work of Ella Fitzgerald. It is going to be an exciting adventure to see where Kelsey goes with her career in music.
She has a pleasing voice, but her style is lacking.