When finding new material to add to my repertoire I always look at the lyrics to songs first to see if they are reflective of my life at the moment. Jazz, for me, is an ‘in the moment’ art form. This night of music you are about to hear definitely epitomizes that.

The communication, openness, and love that continued to evolve over seven years with this trio is a dream come true for me. I only hope that you are able to feel that on this exciting live recording… I know that many of my fans have been waiting for a live recording, so here you go… Hope you enjoy!

Speak Low:
We start out with a song I had played for years, but only recently started to sing and we stretch the hell out of it! It was a hard decision to make when thinking of this (somewhat long version) as the first song of the recording, but I think it sets the tone for the set and shows the trio’s cohesiveness and interplay at its best.

This Is Love:
“Why” is the title of this beautiful and haunting tune written by Philippe Petrucciani. I wrote lyrics to it and it’s one of the new additions to my repertoire. Personal circumstances inspired the story.

Get Out of Town:
Another of my favorites, inspired by the late, great Shirley, is conceptually a bit different than her version, but this take is somewhat inspired by Elvin Jones’ and McCoy Tyner’s playing. As for the story, it showcases a mood that I rarely have had the chance to express with most American Songbook classics.

A Table Set For Solitude:
A ‘new standard’ in my opinion, this song was written by two talented friends: pianist, composer, and arranger, Rob Bargad, with lyrics by his sister, Adena Bargad, I recorded this song first as a singer on Rob’s CD “The Shadow Of Your Smile” on Alfa Records back in 1994 and thought it was time to record it as a solo piece. Its lyric is very reflective of my life at the moment.

Green Dolphin Street:
I’ve recorded this tune before and played it on many a gig, but this take is different than ever before. A great example of how a song can be ‘on the spot arranged’ with the intent of the lyric still conveyed truthfully. I started the intro/vamp on a whim and we went from there…

I Fall In Love Too Easily:
This one features the immensely talented and adventurous Joel Frahm on tenor sax. He took me places I had never gone as a singer (especially without my trusty piano in front of me). There may be some flaws in the form, but the feeling was so nice that I had to include it. Matt and Martin give great support and also take it to new horizons.

Lover:
Another tune that I’ve recorded before, but this one shows how much the trio has developed it… Matt and I have a ball!! And a very exciting end to the set!! Woohoo!!

p.s. I didn’t write about a few of the other tunes because there has to be some room for mystery  … Enjoy!

-Dena