It would be fun to hear jazz singer Jacqui Naylor perform, say, progressive rock. With a thick and sultry voice that could melt snow, Naylor showcases her signature "acoustic smashing" technique on You Don't Know Jacq — singing rock and pop classics as if they were jazz standards. Previous "smashes" include AC/DC's "Back in Black" and The Allman Brothers' "Whipping Post." Here, she compiles some of her most requested covers with new originals. The result is a compelling, inventive recording that should have listeners seeking out Naylor's back catalog.
You Don't Know Jacq is as much about the music as the vocals, as Naylor's snazzy jazz band is allowed to show off its chops on The Gershwins' "Summertime." Other covers that work particularly well are the slow-burn tribal rendition of R.E.M.'s "Losing My Religion," an eerie Jamaican take on the Rolling Stones' "Miss You" and Billie Holiday's smoky "Tell Me More and More and Then Some." Among Naylor's originals, "Rise Up" stands out for its fat groove and get-out-the-vote message. In fact, the Obama/Biden campaign posted a video for the song on its web site during the 2008 presidential campaign.
Track Listing:
1) How Deep Is Your Love
2) Summertime
3) Celebrate Early & Often
4) Losing My Religion
5) Black Coffee
6) Dreamin' Big With You
7) Thank You Baby
8) Tell Me More and More and Then Some
9) Miss You
10) This Is the Spot
11) Something Cool
12) Shelter
13) Rise Up
14) My Funny Valentine
15) Ain't No Sunshine
16) City By the Bay
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