This recording charms quickly: “Zoot Walks In,” Dave Frishberg’s lyric to “The Red Door,” gets right to the point of Roberts’ talent. A clear voice and a clear sense of the song at hand put Roberts in touch with her listeners’ feelings, and she handles the responsibility very well indeed. She chooses to work with artists of the highest caliber, as witness bassist Harvie Swartz and pianist Mark Soskin, who contributed most of the arrangements here; and saxophonist Chris Potter and drummer Danny Gottlieb. Violinist Gregor Hubner and cellist Erik Friedlander add rich color to three tracks, as well. The carefree sensuality of Jobim’s “Two Kites” contrasts beautifully with the poignancy of “Strange Meadowlark” and “It Never Entered My Mind.” Everything works here: Encore, Ms. Roberts!
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