Album Review of
In Any Key

Written by Joe Ross
August 6, 2019 - 1:35am EDT
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Classic material from the America’s jazz songbook is the perfect showcase for Gretje Angell who makes her recording debut with “In Any Key.” The daughter of renowned Ohio bepop drummer Tommy “The Hat” Voorhees, she pursued formal music education and clearly has developed a strong understanding of this genre. The album’s title reinforces the producer’s (guitarist Dori Amarillo) ability to play any song in any key at the vocalist’s request. A magnetic singer, Angell’s buttery voice has immediate allure and appeal. While one might prefer the sounds of her singing a soothing ballad like “Deep In A Dream” with an orchestra, she’s also quite adept and evocative when delivering the three duets performed only with masterful guitarist Amarillo: “One Note Samba,” “Them There Eyes” and “Tea For Two.”  Other standouts are “Fever” and “Berimbau” where Gretje Angell projects plenty of sassy personality while accompanied by a full jazz combo.  (Joe Ross, Roots Music Report)