Agents of Change

Janice Borla is a true jazz singer, a vocalist who constantly takes chances and stretches herself. On her Blujazz release, she also shows that she is a fine lyricist, writing words to Joe Henderson's "Black Narcissus," Bill Evans' "Remembering the Rain," and Peggy Stern's "The Aerie." While she is joined by top-notch musicians, their role is mostly subsidiary to her, with their purpose being to inspire the singer. The soprano of Rich Fudoli is a major part of a dreamy and atmospheric version of "Black Narcissus," while trumpeter Art Davis is a strong asset on Joe Lovano's "Blackwell's Message." The latter song and Johnny Carisi's "Israel" are taken as wordless vocals. Borla also shows that she is masterful at interpreting lyrics, most notably on Jimmy Rowles' difficult "The Peacocks" and Abbey Lincoln's "Throw It Away." Only the closing "Battle Report," a piece on which she recites a poem by Bob Kaufmann, does the music get a bit overdramatic. Overall, this is one of Janice Borla's strongest recordings to date.