I did not become aware of Madeleine Peyroux until her second album Careless Love came out in 2004 and instantly became enamored with her voice, a throwback to classic female jazz singers. I put her on my radar ever since and have caught television appearances, attended a concert, and obtained other releases. I had never heard of Got You On My Mind until a few weeks back, so I was surprised to learn that the album has been out for a few years. I double-checked Peyroux’s website, but it’s not listed in her discography.

It turns out Got You On My Mind has a compelling history. In 2005 UPI reported the pair used to be romantically involved and lawsuits were filed against each other. The collaboration was originally an EP of seven tracks. Allegedly, Peyroux took it around as a demo, which helped get her deal at Rounder Records. Two of the songs, “J’Ai Deux Amours” and “Heaven to Me,” were rerecorded for Careless Love. William Galison went back without her and added more material, four songs, to flesh out an album.

It opens with “Back in Your Own Back Yard.” Recorded by Al Jolson in 1927, it’s a wonderful song about the simple pleasures of having an imagination and a little place of your own. The music conjures up a backyard. Galison’s melodic guitar shines like the sun and James Wormworth’s shuffling brushwork sounds as pleasant as a breeze blowing through the trees.

Josephine Baker had a hit with in 1930 with “J’Ai Deux Amours.” Peyroux sings in French, conveying the emotion of being torn between two loves. Galison accompanies on harmonica, demonstrating the instrument’s jazz capabilities with a toe-tapping jazz on the bridge. Galison continues the theme sans Peyroux with “Flambee Montalbanese,” an instrumental that brings to mind the sidewalk cafes of Paris. His plays harmonica and is joined by the quartet Quadro Nuevo, comprised of a sax, bass, accordion, and guitar.

On the title track, the duo delivers a laid-back rendition of the blues number. Peyroux’s lilting voice combined with Galison’s very good guitar licks will have the listener slowly drifting down the Mississippi. The mood of a failed relationship continues with Galison offering up a mea culpa with John Lennon’s “Jealous Guy.” He only sings one line to close the song, allowing his harmonica to evoke the sadness of the lyrics throughout. Brian Mitchell on Wurlitzer organ does a great job of filling out the space.