Women at work…
Judy Niemack mixes and matches talents and moods, bopping with aplomb on a collection of tunes and a team of all stars including Peter Bernstein/g, Sullivan Fortner/p, Doug Weiss/b and Joe Farnsworth/dr. Eric Alexander brings in his sax for a swayingly indigoed “ Blues That Sooth My Soul”, and Niemack works around the obstacle course as the team shifts gears on “Right Here, Right Now”. There are some rich duets that has Niemack shining most brightly, graceful with Fortner on “For All We Know”, deep and dark with Weiss on “Born To Be Blue” and tender-toned with Bernstein during “With You”. Clear toned and enunciating with joy, Niemack brings a smile to songs.
Church bred vocalist Jean Baylor works the room with husband/drummer Marcus, preaching it through song at The Apparatus in NYC on a May 2022 run. Along with Terry Brewer/p-key, Yasushi Nakamura/b, Keith Loftis/ts-ss, Mark Williams/tb and Darren Barrett/tp, Jean tells the audience to “be ready to have a good time tonight” and delivers as she belts it out with Lofts’ tenor on “Our Love Is Here To Stay” up to the closing testifying on “Only Believe”. The team gives a gospel feel to “Happy To Be With You”, with Ms. Baylor’s range hitting the heavens on a modern take of “Great Is They Faithfulness”. Brewer strides right on “Lord Keep Me Day By Day” while Marcus Baylor gives the Sunday Shuffle to “We Swing The Cypher” and “Love Makes Me Sing”. Pass the plate!