You Inspire Me

Diane Hubka's adventurous spirit continues on her third CD as the singer works with seven different guitarists in a variety of settings, with the occasional addition of bass and drums. She once again leans toward less-familiar songs or those that haven't been recorded quite so often. The sweet-voiced singer is consistently stimulated by the first-rate musicians on every track. The phenomenal Latin guitarist Romero Lubambo provides the pulse beneath Hubka's confident delivery in "Love," with bassist Nilson Matta and drummer Dudua da Fonseca (also known collectively as Trio Da Paz). Bucky Pizzarelli and Frank Vignola mesh beautifully on a swinging "Blue Moon," Django Reinhardt's "Nuages" (with a playful, brand new lyric by Dr. Frank Forte), and the effervescent "Sunday in New York," where Hubka's singing could lift the darkest cloud. John Hart, an asset on Hubka's first two releases, is joined by bassist John Hebert and drummer Jeff Hirschfield for the vocalist's haunting interpretation of "Winter Moon" and a freewheeling take of "Nothing Like You." Paul Bollenback is on hand (along with Hebert and Hirschfield) for the snappy "You Inspire Me" and an overlooked gem by Henry Mancini, "Moment to Moment." Jack Wilkins brought along an original, the touching ballad "Romance." But with all of the captivating music within this outstanding CD, it is Hubka's treatment of "The Old New Waltz" (a gorgeous ballad by Michael Moore with bittersweet lyrics by Frank Reilly), with impeccable accompaniment by the matchless Gene Bertoncini, that stands atop this baker's dozen of memorable performances. Jazz singers rarely reach the heights of this outstanding CD.