Jody Sandhaus
Afterglow


Grade - A


Jody Sandhaus is a vocalist deserving of much more fanfare than she is currently receiving.  Hopefully, the release of her newest album, Afterglow, will rectify this.  Afterglow is a recording of eleven duets for piano and voice with pianist Pete Malinverni and is Sandhaus' strongest recording yet.

Sandhaus has a beautiful voice, managing to balance subtle vocal nuances while still maintaining her pitch.  She never resorts to oversinging and lets the melody carry the heavy weight of the song.  Her vocal style is ideal for this set of songs, which for the most part are melancholy, dealing with the trials of romance.  I need to stress that Sandhaus is a skilled technician and is able to evoke different moods as required by the lyrics.  I especially enjoyed the husky raspiness of her voice on "Love Is a Necessary Evil", a vocal quality I did not recall hearing her use on her two prior albums, I Think of You and A Fine Spring Morning.

Pete Malinverni's playing is outstanding and the interplay between these two musicians demonstrate a great amount of trust.  Malinverni somehow manages to maintain a distinct style while going through stylistic changes like a musical chameleon.  I love the intimacy that these two impart to the songs - an intimacy that makes Afterglow sound like it was recorded for each listener, personally.

I am also impressed by the fact that Sandhaus and Malinverni took a risk by recording songs that are lesser-known than the standard American songbook fare.  While risky it makes Afterglow a fresh listening experience.

If you are already familiar with Jody Sandhaus, then purchase this album immediately, you won't be disappointed.  If you have yet to hear Ms. Sandhaus, then I recommend that you sample some of the songs on Afterglow.  If you do I have a feeling you will soon own this fantastic recording.

Check out more on Jody Sandhaus and Afterglow at www.jodysandhaus.com.