Jenny Scheinman – 12 Songs

Albert Brooks released an album 30 years ago called A Star Is Bought. It included a glossy photo of Brooks, tucked inside the sleeve. Printed on it was the inscription, To single any one of you out would be a big mistake. That line came to mind when considering the title for Jenny Scheinmans fourth album, 12 Songs. Its perhaps the same dilemma Randy Newman faced when he gave his album the same title in 1970. Naming it for any one of the diverse compositions would tip the delicate balance. Violinist Scheinman here fronts a septet that includes guitarist Bill Frisell and cornetist Ron Miles. Her dozen instrumental songs spring from a rich well of Americana, mixing in jazz, folk and cabaret. There are numbers that sound like Erik Satie in a saloon (Satelite), a loopy parade (Moe Hawk), a lullaby (Sleeping In The Aquifer), and a heartwarming stroll into the sunset (June 21). Remarkably, with the wealth of soloists on board, everything adheres closely to the character of each song. Soloing does occur regularly, but it weaves itself in by paying homage to the crisp melodies, offering up respectful variations with subtle grace and beauty.