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Judy Wexler: No Wonder

By Dan Bilawsky
January 19, 2025
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Judy Wexler

vocals

" data-original-title="" title="">Judy Wexler imbues every song she touches with a sense of realism, wonder and depth that's ever so rare. An inimitable artist, this celebrated singer adds volumes to each story she encounters, be it a post-millennial jazz tune, '60s counterculture anthem, glimmering Brazilian jewel or any number of other finds.

In the case of No Wonder—Wexler's seventh album, arriving two decades after her debut—she demonstrates her gifts with a marked emphasis on standards. Longtime collaborator/pianist

Jeff Colella

piano

" data-original-title="" title="">Jeff Colella's two-horn take on "Delilah"—"Dreams and Shadows," from Wexler's same-named 2008 album—served as something of a model and compass pointing toward a desired sonic direction for this project, guiding singer and arranger in putting the pieces together. The results—a dozen dazzlers that speak to Wexler's sophisticated delivery, Colella's keen work with pen and piano, a personnel list that's totally in sync with the leader's sensibilities, and the strength and malleability of the material—are pure magic.

Opening with one of the album's two non-Colella arrangements and the lone modern-era inclusion—the title track, written and arranged by vocalist

Luciana Souza

vocals

" data-original-title="" title="">Luciana Souza—Wexler exhibits a perfect balance between fluidity and precision while radiating real emotional energy atop a flowing ensemble driven by drummer

Steve Haas

drums

" data-original-title="" title="">Steve Haas' deft stick work and enlivened by

Danny Janklow

saxophone

" data-original-title="" title="">Danny Janklow's tenor saxophone. "The Summer Knows," set in motion with

Gabe Davis

bass, acoustic

" data-original-title="" title="">Gabe Davis' alluring bass line, benefits from Colella's piano chording and coloring plus

Jay Jennings

trumpet

" data-original-title="" title="">Jay Jennings' moody muted trumpet.

"You Stepped Out of a Dream," vacillating between an attractively ambling swing and steady walking feel, and "Never Will I Marry," swaying with a focused finesse, each put Wexler's interpretive powers on display in wholly familiar yet personalized settings; and "Wish You Were Here," graced by guitarist

Larry Koonse

guitar, electric

" data-original-title="" title="">Larry Koonse's elegant electric, goes the other way, demonstrating how she makes lesser-known lovelies her own. From there Wexler and company ride high on

Cedar Walton

piano
1934 - 2013

" data-original-title="" title="">Cedar Walton's "Firm Roots" (with

Kitty Margolis

vocals
b.1955

" data-original-title="" title="">Kitty Margolis' lyrics in play), seduce on

Henry Mancini

composer / conductor
1924 - 1994

" data-original-title="" title="">Henry Mancini's "Slow Hot Wind" (featuring

Bob Sheppard

saxophone, tenor
b.1952

" data-original-title="" title="">Bob Sheppard's enchanting soprano saxophone), move from rubato introductions to swinging songcraft on a

Brian Swartz

trumpet
b.1967

" data-original-title="" title="">Brian Swartz-arranged "I Wish You Love," and briefly depart from standards territory with a riveting, klezmer-dusted take on

Leonard Cohen

vocals
1934 - 2016

" data-original-title="" title="">Leonard Cohen's "Dance Me to the End of Love."

Nodding to

Nat King Cole

piano and vocals
1919 - 1965

" data-original-title="" title="">Nat King Cole with two entries that he introduced into the canon—the oft-ignored "That Sunday, That Summer" and the frequently-covered "A Weaver of Dreams"—Wexler proves genuine and judicious in conveyance. Then, trimming away personnel, she settles in with the core of Colella, Davis and Hass for "The Night We Called It a Day." Highlighting a simpatico partnership with her rhythm section on the way out the door, this leader also shows what sensitivity and subtlety are all about. Playing on the album title with all sincerity here, it must be said that it's no wonder that acclaim follows Judy Wexler wherever she goes. This is one artist who's always on point.

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Track Listing

No Wonder; The Summer knows; You Stepped Out of a Dream; Never Will I Marry; Wish You Were Here; Firm Roots (Are What Yu Need to Win); Slow Hot Wind; I Wish You Love; Dance Me to the End of Love; That Sunday, That Summer; A Weaver of Dreams; The Night We Called It a Day.

Personnel

Judy Wexler

vocals

Jeff Colella

piano

Danny Janklow

saxophone

Bob Sheppard

saxophone, tenor

Jay Jennings

trumpet

Larry Koonse

guitar, electric

Gabe Davis

bass, acoustic

Steve Hass

drums

Album information

Title: No Wonder | Year Released: 2025 | Record Label: Jewel City Jazz

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