Reflections

by Paula EdelsteinReflections is jazz vocalist Kendra Shank's second CD for the Jazz Focus label and it is one that speaks for itself. The vocalist, joined by pianist Frank Kimbrough, Dean Johnson on bass, and Tony Moreno on drums and percussion, interprets ten songs that compliment her excellent vocal experimentation. Since her selection as a Talent Deserving Wider Recognition by the Downbeat International Critics' Poll in 1999, Kendra Shank has continued to feature her highly lauded impressionistic approach and here she indulges her listeners on such rare gems as Duke Ellington's "Reflections," and international favorites such as "Let It Be." Her sensuous phrasing on "This Is New" is as innovative and alluring as her guitar playing on "The Silence of the Candle." Both artistic traits continue to endear her to adult, contemporary, and folk audiences around the world and have evolved beautifully since her first CD on Mapleshade, Afterglow.