Blue Note

Cassandra Wilson has, for more than two decades, proven to be one of our most versatile and resourceful jazz vocalists – covering compositions by Dylan, U2, Miles Davis, Jobim and Robert Johnson, as well as penning her own material. For her latest, Wilson applies her balmy pipes to another eclectic set of originals and covers, among them Stevie Wonder’s “If It’s Magic,” the traditional “St. James Infirmary” and Charley Patton’s “Pony Blues.” But it’s her take on The Beatles’ “Blackbird” that truly shines a light on Wilson’s interpretive skills. Recasting the song as a contemplative, introspective, lightly swinging blues, Wilson allows her voice to take flight amid her considerably gifted band’s improvisations. John Legend and Ravi Coltrane guest on two other standout tracks.