Gretchen Parlato

The first vocalist to study at the Thelonious Monk Jazz Institute and winner of the Thelonious Monk Vocal Jazz Competition in 2004, Gretchen Parlato has cut a different path than singers who stick to time-tested standards and familiar jazz works. Her third CD is a wide-ranging affair, featuring singer/songwriter pop ballads, post-bop, her own originals, and works by her supporting musicians adding her lyrics. Her core band consists of keyboardist Taylor Eigsti, bassist Derrick Hodge, and drummer Kendrick Scott, with tenor saxophonist Dayna Stephens added on several tracks. Parlato's approach to Wayne Shorter's "Juju" has a mysterious air, with her hypnotic vocals buoyed by Stephens' effusive tenor. Parlato's interpretations of pieces by several rising stars from her generation are impressive, including the whispering treatment of Ambrose Akinmusire's "Henya," along with pieces by Eigsti and Stephens. She demonstrates her versatility in her breezy interpretation of the samba "Alô, Alô," mastering its Portuguese lyric and providing the sole accompaniment as percussionist. Parlato penned both the music and lyric to the driving post-bop vehicle "Winter Wind," while her "Better Than" is a dreamy pop ballad. It's clear that Gretchen Parlato doesn't want to be restricted by stylistic boundaries, so jazz fans with open ears will find a lot of treasures to discover within The Lost and Found. © Ken Dryden /TiVo

Recorded over two nights at Rockwood Hall in New York City in 2012, Live in NYC features acclaimed jazz vocalist Gretchen Parlato performing with her ensemble. The album follows up her critically lauded 2011 studio effort The Lost and Found, as well as her 2009 album In a Dream and her 2005 self-titled debut. Drawing upon the material she recorded for those studio efforts, Parlato gives an atmospheric and soulful performance that showcases her passionate, intimate vocal style. Backing Parlato here are pianist Taylor Eigsti, bassists Alan Hampton and Burniss Earl Travis II, and drummers Mark Guiliana and Kendrick Scott. Blurring the boundaries between straight-ahead jazz, contemporary improvisation, R&B, and singer/songwriter soul, Parlato delves into such songs as "Butterfly," "All That I Can Say," "Holding Back the Years," and others. © Matt Collar /TiVo