After Blue

The jazz bona fides of singer/songwriter Joni Mitchell are well documented in her own performances and by jazz musicians covering her compositions. Now it's singer Tierney Sutton’s turn, and she has the courage, range, and technique to take on Mitchell’s demanding songs and add something fresh. Instead of using Sutton’s regular working band, the album features lineups that change from song to song. The biggest surprise comes from classical music’s Turtle Island Quartet on four songs, including an elegant version of “Blue” followed by a funky cello (!) on “All I Want.” Other Mitchell classics include a piano-driven version of “Woodstock” and “Both Sides Now,” which could become a defining performance by Sutton. Al Jarreau stops by for a raucous version of “Be Cool,” and then “Don’t Go to Strangers” and “Answer Me, My Love” (two standards whose arrangements are inspired by Mitchell) balance that tune with the low-key swing guitar-and-voice format. Though not Sutton’s typical set of jazz standards, After Blue is an unqualified success.