Judi Silvano is a singer whose work I have enjoyed for many years. Her 11th album as a leader, “My Dance” (on JSL Records) confirms that her vocal powers are intact and her imagination as free as ever. She is one of those singers who can animate an old pop song or even cross over into classical music. But, she has always been an adventurous improviser and remains one on her new CD.
Silvano wrote all of the compositions, four have lyrics (which she also penned) and the others are wordless.
“My Dance” is a duo album. All the piano work is by Mike Abene. He has a two-handed style and it would be wrong to consider him an accompanist. He is an equal collaborator. Silvano shows that her approach is just as free on her own pieces as when she is singing the Great American Songbook.
If someone could tame “It’s So Amazing,” it could be a pop hit. Her “Calypso” is wilder than anything Harry Belafonte recorded. “Kokopelli’s Dance” is infectious with a Sarah Vaughan feel while “Echo Cardio” manages to be moving even without language.
Judi Silvano will hold a CD release show for “My Dance” with Mike Abene on Thursday, February 26th at Jazz At Kitano (66 Park Ave. at East 38th St.; (212) 885-7119; http://kitano.com). Shows at 8 pm and 10 pm and there is a $15 cover, $15 minimum drink and food per person, per set. If you miss that gig, Silvano and Abene will be at Cornelia Street Café (29 Cornelia Street; (212) 989-9319) on March 30th. Music sets at 8:45 and 9:45 pm.
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