Singer Cassandra Wilson Interviewed at AAJ

The deep, rich voice of Cassandra Wilson, now among the most exalted of jazz vocalists, is something to savor. She has an adventurous spirit when it comes to her music, and whether playing with original melodies, or turning others songs--of jazz, folk, blues or pop origin--inside out, it's always something to relish, like a fine brandy that can be felt sweetly burning down to the stomach then spreading the glow back up where it can be felt warming the ears.

Wilson's latest recording released over the past summer, Loverly (Blue Note, 2008), is a delicious treat, moving her back to the realm of standards, something she hasn't done in a while--since Blue Skies (JMT, 1988), in fact. As always, she gives them an individual fingerprint, but doesn't always stray all that far off the path. It's a delightful offering, done with friends that include longtime colleagues guitarist Marvin Sewell and bassist Lonnie Plaxico, as well as pianist Jason Moran, drummer Herlin Riley and percussionist Lekan Babalola, with bassist Reginald Veal and trumpeter Nicholas Payton guesting in spots.

AAJ Contributor R.J. DeLuke spoke with Wilson about bringing a new slant to some old chestnuts, and the allure of the road.

Check out Cassandra Wilson: Creating Loverly Sound at AAJ today!