Com Você / Com Voce

Margret Grebowicz is a singer whose soul is entranced by contemporary jazz, while her spirit wafts in the tides of Brazilian and American popular songs. This collection features her wispy, thin, winsome voice that demands very little except your attention in a quieted setting. Every selection has a different-sized grouping, from duets with another solo instrumentalist up to a small ensemble, with electric guitarist Ben Monder and tenor saxophonist Stan Killian playing promising roles. Echoes of Europe or South America shade the music at times, with the Midwestern plains electric jazz of Pat Metheny also present alongside a sophisticated N.Y.C. vibe. At her most energetic during Santana's "Into Shade," she's more inventive, popping and skittering across water lily pads of fate with her wordplay. Generally though, she carefully sings the lyrics of familiar songs like Rufus Wainwright's "Peach Trees," and is especially convincing during a Parisian-flavored cover of Chris Isaak's "Wicked Game" and a version of the Chris Montez oldie "Call Me" done with Brazilian sensuality. The straight 6/8 Brazilian Caetano Veloso number "Saudosismo" is brightened by vibraphonist Tim Collins and leavened by Killian, while space and sky are explored during the piece written by Ronaldo Bastos, "O Trem Azul." Margret sings in English or Portuguese with a soft, demure enunciation, tranquil in its corner place but simmering with love and hope in due time. She's made her statement here with the heart leading, the head following only to an extent, inspired by this great group of progressive musicians. ~ Michael G. Nastos, Rovi