Ranging from jazz standards by the likes of Cole Porter and Irving Berlin to contemporary classics from Joni Mitchell to original self written tracks, Yours by Sara Gazarek covers all the bases and still feels fresh for a jazz album that came out in 2005. It has the kind of timeless feel that means you could throw it on for your whole family and everyone would find something to like. Gazarek’s voice is charming and earnest. When in the title track she sings:
“Forget the things that people say to try to hurt you
Forget their fears that overtake them in their lives
Forget this world with all it's petty disappointments
But don't forget that you’re the lovely person I love so.”
It’s hard not to take her for her word. This sense of hope continues throughout the album, even through the heartbreak of “You Got By” and especially during an arrangement that combines “Bye Bye Blackbird” popularized by Miles Davis and The Beatles’ “Blackbird”. Gazarek has her chops and knows how to use them. " In addition to her smooth honey-like vocals, Gazarek contributed all of the arrangements for her album. Here she is with longtime collaborator Josh Nelson on their arrangement of Billy Joel’s “And So It Goes”. This version encourages the listener towards stillness. Take a moment for yourself and indulge.
Release date: August 23, 2005
Similar artist(s): Tony Bennet, Sara Bareilles, Ella Fitzgerald
Top tracks: Yours, You Got By, Blackbird