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Hannah Gill: Spooky Jazz. Vol. 2

By Kyle Simpler
November 22, 2024
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In most cases, seasonal albums get shelved after the holiday passes, but

Hannah Gill

vocals

" data-original-title="" title="">Hannah Gill's Spooky Jazz Vol. 2 is an exception. Although it might appear to be a novelty record centered on Halloween-themed songs, the music here transcends the holiday, offering a collection of tunes enjoyable throughout the year.

Although the selections here are overall light-hearted and whimsical, this is by no means a comedy record. Much like

Slim Gaillard

vocals
1916 - 1991

" data-original-title="" title="">Slim Gaillard's music, Hannah Gill's material entertains and swings hard, recalling the era when singers like

Annie Ross

vocals
1930 - 2020

" data-original-title="" title="">Annie Ross and

Eartha Kitt

vocals
1927 - 2008

" data-original-title="" title="">Eartha Kitt topped jazz polls. Spooky Jazz Vol. 2 reminds us that serious music can bring a smile to your face.

As the title suggests, this is not Gill's first foray into Halloween-themed jazz. Her original self-produced Spooky Jazz album released in 2020 came about after her unsuccessful attempt to locate any jazz albums centered on Halloween. As a result, she decided to record her album, inspired heavily by the music of the forties and fifties. Unfortunately, it did not receive the attention it deserved, but Gill pressed on, returning to the studio for another Halloween jazz record. While this initial offering was noteworthy, Spooky Jazz Vol. 2 takes it to the next level. Gill's vision for this album is rooted in her passion for blending traditional jazz with theatrical vibes, creating a more polished and ambitious sequel.

Gill's impressive vocal talent is backed by experience. Moving to New York City shortly after graduating from high school, she quickly found enough work to maintain a full-time music career. Spooky Jazz Vol. 2 features Gill along with a group of top-notch musicians, including

Mike Davis

cornet
b.1972

" data-original-title="" title="">Mike Davis on trumpet and trombone,

Gabe Terracciano

violin

" data-original-title="" title="">Gabe Terracciano on violin,

Ricky Alexander

woodwinds

" data-original-title="" title="">Ricky Alexander on clarinet and tenor saxophone,

Gordon Webster

piano

" data-original-title="" title="">Gordon Webster on piano,

Justin Poindexter

guitar

" data-original-title="" title="">Justin Poindexter on guitar,

Philip Ambuel

bass

" data-original-title="" title="">Philip Ambuel on bass and

Ben Zweig

drums
b.1992

" data-original-title="" title="">Ben Zweig on drums.

The album opens with a superb rendition of

Eartha Kitt

vocals
1927 - 2008

" data-original-title="" title="">Eartha Kitt's "I'd Rather Be Burned as a Witch," setting the tone for this collection of classic and contemporary tunes. Nostalgic jazz songs such as

Blossom Dearie

piano and vocals
1926 - 2009

" data-original-title="" title="">Blossom Dearie's "Love is a Necessary Evil,"

Dinah Washington

vocals
1924 - 1963

" data-original-title="" title="">Dinah Washington's "My Man's an Undertaker," along with tried and true standards like "That Old Black Magic" and "Shine on Harvest Moon" combine with more contemporary choices like Danny Elfman's "Oogie Boogie's Song," creating a compelling, eclectic set.

Spooky Jazz Vol. 2 features some excellent arrangements and musicianship, and Gill is a vocalist who deserves recognition. Even if Halloween has passed, Spooky Jazz Vol. 2 delivers the goods. There's no trick, just treat.

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Track Listing

I'd Rather Be Burned As A Witch; My Man's An Undertaker; Love Is A Necessary Evil; Hummin' To Myself; Love, Your Spell Is Everywhere; Oogie Boogie's Song; You Hurt Me; Hard Hearted Hannah; That Old Black Magic; Haunted House Blues; Shine On Harvest Moon

Personnel

Hannah Gill

vocals

Mike Davis

cornet

Gabe Terracciano

violin

Ricky Alexander

woodwinds

Gordon Webster

piano

Justin Poindexter

guitar

Philip Ambuel

bass

Ben Zweig

drums

Album information

Title: Spooky Jazz. Vol. 2 | Year Released: 2024 | Record Label: Turtle Bay Records

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