This is Wexler’s fifth album, and for this release she made the decision to seek out modern jazz compositions written by contemporary songwriters. As part of this journey she brought on board pianist and arranger Alan Pasqua, with whom she had worked on previous releases. A legend in both the jazz and pop worlds, Pasqua has performed and recorded with The New Tony Williams Lifetime and Jack DeJohnette, as well as recording albums with Bob Dylan and Carlos Santana, as well as touring and/or recording with Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, and Elton John. Together they chose the material for ‘Crowded Heart’, and Pasqua then worked on the arrangements for the band, which was mostly made up of musicians who had worked with Wexler on other albums so already knew what would be required.

Musically this is based around the piano, with other instruments layering into that, all taking turns to solo when the time is right, with the vocals always the most important element. Wexler performs in a soft jazz/swinging style, creating a musical style which is very easy on the ear. Nothing here is forced, nothing strained, it is all about allowing the songs to breathe and take on a life of their own. If it is right for a horn player to provide a solo for a few bars then that is what happens, with Wexler allowing the band to have freedom while always being at the forefront of proceedings. It all feels very relaxed, with just some pent-up aggression coming through from drummer Steve Hass who mostly plays it very straight indeed, just allowing himself some brief fills now and then.

Wexler does not allow herself the luxury of providing additional ad libs or vocal flourishes, but instead keeps her vocals right down the line, staying true to the observational approach of much of the material. The result is something which is intriguing and interesting to anyone who enjoys this style of jazz.

Rating: 7/10

Links:
https://judywexler.com/