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Naama Gheber: Old Mother Hubbard

By C. Michael Bailey
May 13, 2022
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Track review of "Old Mother Hubbard"

New York-based Israeli vocalist

Naama Gheber

vocals
b.1991

" data-original-title="" title="">Naama Gheber released her debut Dearly Beloved (Cellar Live) two years ago this month, in April 2020, right at the front of the gaping maw, we came to know as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 or COVID-19. In spite of this, Gheber's recording garnered favorable reviews at All About Jazz, as well as elsewhere. Dearly Beloved was an announcement of a supple and gifted talent emerging.

With the Covid pandemic arguably behind us, Gheber returns with an EP having its planned release in November 2022. In the meantime, Gheber will release several songs included on the EP as singles, the first being her reimagining of the nursery rhyme "Old Mother Hubbard." Nursery rhymes molded into musical standards are nothing new.

Ella Fitzgerald

vocals
1917 - 1996

" data-original-title="" title="">Ella Fitzgerald originally recorded the rhyme with the

Ray Brown

bass, acoustic
1926 - 2002

" data-original-title="" title="">Ray Brown orchestra in 1949. This was well after her recording of "A-Tisket, A-Tasket" in 1938 with the

Chick Webb

drums
1905 - 1939

" data-original-title="" title="">Chick Webb Orchestra. "Mary Had A Little Lamb" was a blues favorite covered by

Buddy Guy

guitar, electric
b.1936

" data-original-title="" title="">Buddy Guy and

Stevie Ray Vaughan

guitar
1954 - 1990

" data-original-title="" title="">Stevie Ray Vaughan. Now Gheber makes her mark in this established subgenre.

Using a basic jazz piano trio, Gheber and company set up a strolling 4/4 walk with a potent swing momentum (seatbelt recommended). The singer begins in a mainstream vein, quickly evolving into a

Bessie Smith

vocals
1894 - 1937

" data-original-title="" title="">Bessie Smith blues romp before recovering and ending in the style of a Broadway show. Pianist Ben Paterson, urges Naama on stylistically, while bassist

Neal Miner

bass, acoustic
b.1970

" data-original-title="" title="">Neal Miner and drummer Evan Sherman ensure a precise beat. Gheber's vocals are confident throughout, changing as necessary to meet the mood of the band. This single release is a smart business decision, offering listeners just a taste of the EP's remaining songs. That taste is a savory and satisfying one.

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Track Listing

Old Mother Hubbard.

Personnel

Naama Gheber

vocals

Ben Paterson

piano

Neal Miner

bass, acoustic

Evan Sherman

drums

Album information

Title: If I Knew Then | Year Released: 2022 | Record Label: Sassy’s In Town

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