CD Review: June Garber - This I Know

In an age where there’s an aspiring jazz diva on every corner, it’s difficult to pick one who’ll get her, er, nose in front of the pack. On the strength of this CD June Garber could be such a person. South African-born resident of Toronto, Garber displays the influence of her roots on several tracks as well as showing an affinity for the music from the country across the border from her adopted homeland.

I’d never heard I’m Gonna Live Till I Die since the Frankie Laine Oriole 78 way back when I was still in my mother’s womb – maybe even before that! Sinatra’s It Was a Very Good Year is another song that’s rarely covered but Garber brings her own take to the party.  Baltimore Oriole will be forever associated with composer Hoagy Carmichael. I think Hoagy would have liked this version.

Carole Bayer Sager wrote Don’t Cry Out Loud and Elkie Brooks made, possibly, the definitive version. Garber’s version is up there with it. Lower keyed but equally emotive.

There’s much more including some fine saxophone solos.

Check it out here for samples, personnel and purchase.

Lance.