Home in Bloomington, MN

Kelley Johnson
is a veteran vocalist with an expressive alto who is willing to give a fresh sound to familiar songs while also tackling overlooked gems. Utilizing two different pianists including the brilliant
Geoff Keezer
(who has been very effective with singers) and the underrated
John Hansen
, two different bassists (
Nathan Peck
or
Paul Gabrielson
), and three drummers (
Matt Jorgenseen
,
Jon Wikan
, and
Julian MacDonough
), plus brass and reedman
Jay Thomas
as a guest on three tracks,
Johnson
has put together a delightful set. Her own arrangement of
Abbey Lincoln
's infrequently performed
"Should've Been"
has shades of
Carmen McRae
, while her medley of the show tune
"Wouldn't It Be Loverly"
(from
My Fair Lady
) and
Lincoln
's
"Living Room"
is very playful.
"Moon River"
has been recorded so often that it is in danger of overexposure, though the colorful backgrounds arranged by
Wikan
and
Ingrid Jensen
bring new life to this old chestnut.
also proves her merit as a songwriter, penning or co-writing three songs, highlighted by her expressive, bluesy
"Home."
~ Ken Dryden