Cassandra Wilson

On this tantalizing 2008 release, Cassandra Wilson returns to standards and strips down to a working band. Yet Wilson keeps the atmospheric Americana guitar sound of her recent recordings throughout, which lends a laidback air to the proceedings. Don't confuse "laidback" with "lazy" -- Wilson and her band are locked in and working at the top of their craft. The set features Jason Moran on piano and a guest appearance by trumpeter Nicholas Payton. Anyone who wants to study the jazz art of singing behind the beat should listen to Loverly repeatedly. OK, so should everyone else.

Known for smoke-ring phrasing and an ability to abstract any song (check her beautiful
cover of Van Morrison's "Tupelo Honey"), Wilson stretches jazz standards into new shapes
here. Pianist Jason Moran cuts melodies into neat jigsaw pieces, while Wilson wears the
tunes like familiar clothes. Accessorizing Ellington's "Caravan" with morning-sex murmurs,
she stays impeccably cool even when things get hot.