Chicago-born, Juilliard-trained Rondi Charleston jettisoned a rising career in TV journalism for the even more peripatetic life of a jazz singer. Though I never witnessed Charleston’s newsgathering abilities, I suspect she chose wisely. Hers is an immense gift, and she has surrounded herself with equally astute craftsmen, including pianist Bruce Barth (who worked with Charleston on the majority of In My Life’s arrangements and serves as her musical director), saxophonist Joel Frahm, bassist Sean Smith, drummer Clarence Penn and guitarist Adam Rogers. As demonstrated throughout this short (just seven tracks totaling 30 minutes) but immensely sweet album (Charleston’s third), she is the jazz equivalent of a gin and tonic: tart, cool, clear and effervescent, with a deliciously subtle kick.
Chicago-born, Juilliard-trained Rondi Charleston jettisoned a rising career in TV journalism for the even more peripatetic life of a jazz singer. Though I never witnessed Charleston’s newsgathering abilities, I suspect she chose wisely. Hers is an immense gift, and she has surrounded herself with equally astute craftsmen, including pianist Bruce Barth (who worked with Charleston on the majority of In My Life’s arrangements and serves as her musical director), saxophonist Joel Frahm, bassist Sean Smith, drummer Clarence Penn and guitarist Adam Rogers. As demonstrated throughout this short (just seven tracks totaling 30 minutes) but immensely sweet album (Charleston’s third), she is the jazz equivalent of a gin and tonic: tart, cool, clear and effervescent, with a deliciously subtle kick.
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