Lisa Maxwell -

Lisa Maxwell, Return to Jazz Standards

Reviewed By: Steven Harband

Return to Jazz Standards is a light airy offering that takes you to a place of feeling at home. A befitting opening to the disc is Cole Porter’s classic, “You’d Be So Nice to Come Home To.” A full tilt swingin’ rendition that introduces you to the candid and joyful exuberance of Maxwell’s voice, which offers the listener a compelling look at her organic intimacy and ability to state the melody with stellar phrasing.

A lush rendition of “Lazy Afternoon” adorns the well-conceived selections. Newell’s strings underpin the mood of the lyric as Maxwell allures the listener with her convincing delivery.

Appropriately placed for the time period of this release “What Are You Doing New Years Eve?” is a delightful cut that could easily be placed on your iPod or stereo shuffle for your holiday gathering. Perky, bouncing and just plain enjoyable – be sure to add it to your collection.

After a hiatus to raise her young son and a serious setback due to vocal chord paresis, Maxwell and husband George Newall (the co-creator and executive producer of ABC’s Schoolhouse Rock), together, have recorded and tweaked, recorded and tweaked for almost ten years, and now in 2010 we can finally hear the outcome of their loving collaboration.

A perfect addition to the traditional jazz lover’s collection or anyone who just loves to hear the standards in their pure format, Return to Jazz Standards is a must have.