My One and Only Thrill (Bonus Track Version)

On her sophomore release Melody Gardot continues to luxuriate in sultry moods and yearning sensations. This Philadelphia-based singer/songwriter reaffirms her substantial talent again and again in these tracks, inviting comparisons with everyone from Laura Nyro to Norah Jones. On the surface, Gardot is a classic jazz chanteuse — her rich-toned voice and superbly controlled vibrato are very old school in feel. Certainly, tunes like “Baby I’m a Fool,” “Your Heart Is As Black As Night,” and the title tune have the smoldering elegance of pre-rock balladry. But Gardot goes beyond mere traditionalism in poetic, emotionally probing tunes like “The Rain” and “Deep Within the Corners of My Mind.” Throughout, there are intimations of suffering and resolve — even comparatively light numbers like “Our Love Is Easy” reveal aching depths. Vince Mendoza’s billowy strings enhance Gardot’s performances. Sublimely cool yet passionate, My One and Only Thrill is an act of sustained aural seduction.