Jeri Brown: I’ve Got Your Number

Jeri Brown is inspiring evidence that the art and soul of jazz singing is alive and well. The performances embodied in this recording are the preservation of a tradition, and its extension. Brown works from a vocabulary inspired by Betty Carter and Sarah Vaughn: powerful antecedents. This is music that is seductive before it is assertive, but no less powerful for the approach: indeed, the appearances of such strong musical partners as David Murray on tenor sax and the late Leon Thomas attest to Ms. Brown’s reserves of strength. Pianist John Hicks anchors the proceedings masterfully, with bassists Curtis Lundy and Avery Sharpe at their accustomed high level of performance. Don Braden makes a guest appearance on tenor sax, and the drum chair is shared between Wali Muhammad and Sangoma Everett.

Originally Published December 1, 1999