More Than A Song Review

by Shannon Smith
soundinreview.com
January 15, 2021

American jazz vocalist CeCe Gable had a busy 2020 releasing her full-length album More Than A Song and a winter solstice tune “Once Again It’s Winter.” Each featuring a different line up except one defining player and collaborator, bassist Harvie S. The choice standards on More Than A Song range from Porter to Arlen/Mercer to Jobim and beyond, all expressive vehicles for Gable’s supple vocal instrument. The single is an original collaboration by Gable and pianist accordionist Corky Bennett. The two have created a breezy bossa nova that is guaranteed to warm the chilled season with hopes of sun-kissed summers ahead.

“East of the Sun,” also a bossa nova from the album “More Than A Song,” is a dreamy rendition of a Brooks Bowman tune. Gable offers a breathy approach while bassist Harvie S lays down a well-outlined solo delicately enhancing each section of the melody with intricate voicings and harmonic enhancements. Roni Ben-Hur on guitar equally spins forth an ear-catching solo, all the while Sylvia Cuenca holds down the constant pulsating rhythm on drums. Gable effortlessly floats atop the melody while adding savory blue notes to the outro of the tune.

I loved the treatment of “I Thought About You,” Gable approaches the tune in a melancholy and somber mood. Which I might add seems so appropriate since the lyrics are so devastatingly lonesome.

You can hear the heartache in Gable’s voice. Another highlight on the album, adorned by the exceptional baritone saxophonist/bass clarinetist Brian Landrus is “Detour Ahead.” There is a tenderness to Gable’s voice, a credible haunting gentleness in her voice that caresses each deeply felt note. Landrus is inspired. His warm and rounded tone on the bass clarinet is munificent.