Noise that's Joy-ful, Joy Brown in this case the singer here on Arthur Hamilton's 'Cry Me A River' one of the vocal track selections from the must-hear Dan Wilson record Vessels of Wood and Earth. Look at who's breezed in? As previously discussed in these pages 'Who Shot John' is another strong candidate among the tracks. Guitarist Wilson produced by Christian McBride for the Philadelphian jazz icon's own Brother Mister label album Vessels personnel include a range of leaders in their own right as you'll find pianist Christian Sands, bassist Marco Panascia, Jeff “Tain” Watts on drums and then the relative newcomer aforementioned guest Brown playing a significant part.
As for 'Cry Me A River' for the sheer oomph I'm going not to Julie London, much as I love that classic version, not to Ella, again ditto, or other versions but to the Dakota Staton treatment, the one on I Want a Country Man (Groove Merchant, 1973), also issued on Congratulations to Someone, Dakota quite wondrously with Manny Albam's big band. Brown's not the same kind of singer at all, but certainly goes for power in her own way and it works in the more intimate context with Wilson comping. Final word Dan dares to dream. Imagine hearing George Benson for the first time being actually there? Setting the tardis it is hard to ask for anything more. SG.
Vessels of Wood and Earth is out now via Mack Avenue on Brother Mister
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