If Dreams Come True (Extended)

Vocalist Carolyn Leonhart and saxophonist Wayne Escoffery are a married couple who make up a powerful musical team; on their first CD together that was totally under their control, they seem to intuitively know how to bring out the best in one another. Joined by pianist Toru Dodo, bassist Hans Glawisching, and either Carl Allen or Jason Brown on drums, they achieve the perfect mix of updated treatments of vintage compositions (few of which are played much anymore) and new compositions, including their own originals plus collaborations with other musicians. They transform Benny Goodman's "If Dreams Come True" into a lively post-bop vehicle, with Leonhart's soulful vocal bolstered by Escoffery's searing tenor and the driving rhythm section. Their light, breezy take of Benny Carter's "Key Largo" features Escoffery's fluid soprano sax and Dodo's laid-back piano. Escoffery's instrumental feature is pianist Hank Jones' rich ballad "Angel Face." The originals are just as enticing. The couple's "Nothing Left to Say" is a tense cooker, while "Earth Calling" is easily the most adventurous performance of the sessions."Free to Love" is an unusual ballad, written with Carolyn's brother Michael Leonhart; his dark, moody music contrasts with dreamy lyrics. This is a superb outing for both Carolyn Leonhart and Wayne Escoffery, two rising stars of their generation.