“Close Your Eyes” better utilizes her delicate bass playing, while Hayama accompanies her with gorgeous chord changes. It would be interesting to hear a well-known jazz vocalist such as Dee Dee Bridgewater, Dianne Reeves, or Cassandra Wilson perform the song, as its beautiful melodies would allow a singer to use full range.
The lovely “All Things” demonstrates how Jones can be a bit too generous with her band; Hayama’s piano largely dominates the song, with Jones performing only a couple of brief solos. One wishes she showcased herself more in her compositions; instead, the listener often gets all-too-brief tastes of her artistry.
Fans of jazz bass, particularly in contemporary jazz, may want to pick up A New Day in order to hear an up-and-coming artist. Her bass skills impress, and her ability to handle different tempos and easily work with top musicians make for some beautiful music. It is hoped, however, that in future releases she can perform more jazz that allows her to really swing. In addition, a jazz vocalist would better interpret Jones’ songs so she can concentrate on what she does best: playing funky, jazzy bass lines.
As of this writing, purchasing information for A New Day is available through her official site.
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