In an age when few people still listen to jazz (and usually only to past legends like Miles Davis and Thelonius Monk), it’s important to remember that many supremely talented artists, such as Janice Finlay, are still contributing to the genre.
This latest self-released album follows her debut album She’s Hip (2007) and keeps listener’s attention by combining old ideas with new ones. The woodwind triple threat (flute, clarinet and sax) gets the album off to a swinging start with The Houston Shuffle. Finlay’s accented sax playing hooks the listener instantly. By the time the band journeys back to the head (after a delightful vibes solo by Don Thompson) it is beyond doubt that Janice’s melody is one of pure genius. Finlay, who can be found playing at Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra pops concerts, ventures on with a breathy and light album, including the beautiful Remember Me with vocalist Erin Propp. This album is smoother than butter and Finlay’s jazzy woodwind exploration makes Ron Burgundy look like an untalented chump.

Published in Volume 66, Number 21 of The Uniter (March 1, 2012)