Search - Ellyn Rucker :: Thoughts of You

An Overlooked Masterwork

John M. Martin | Aurora, Colorado United States | 07/31/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Recorded in Denver, working almost entirely from a pool of talented local musicians, Ellyn Rucker's Thoughts of You is a true gem-a worthy addition to any jazz vocal library. How does a recording like Thoughts of You still manage to sound so inspired, so fresh to the ear? Perhaps it's the sense of restraint among the musicians-everything from Laura Newman's expressive soprano sax solo on "Velas" to the supporting keyboard work from Eric Gunnison to John Gunther's understated tenor sax solos. Ellyn's voice calls for careful accompaniment, and it is ably provided in this collection of tunes. Obviously, the "rudder" steering the whole effort is Ellyn's voice-smoky and fragile, expressive without affectation. Songs by Rogers and Hart and Ivan Lins sound like new compositions through the interpretive filter of her voice, a voice that is at turns delicate, then bold-a voice full of hard-gotten wisdom and joie de vivre. If you are the kind of listener on the lookout for something different, something free of the pretensions often brought on by visions of commercial success-then Thoughts of You is sure to satisfy, and continue to pay dividends for years to come."