Liz Terrell - It's All Right With Me (2022)

It’s All Right With Me signals the introduction of powerhouse vocalist Liz Terrell. Her soulful, swinging vocal style offers a wide range of beautiful dulcet tones filled with rich and sultry beauty. With this thoughtfully crafted collection of timeless songs, Terrell captures a profoundly intuitive and accessible sound with a subtle and instinctive sense of swing - keeping the listener’s attention from start to finish. Liz Terrell’s rich and melodic vocals soar over the music as she deftly navigates the energetic arrangements and swings through the standards with precision. The band is equally as spirited as each note feels perfectly placed yet somehow completely fresh and spontaneous. Terrell explains, “It was important to me to capture the whole band together in the studio, and I think you can hear that in the energy and the movement of each take. Everyone builds together, plays off of each other, and picks up lines and solos where the other left off. Each take is exactly what you would hear if this group were live on the stage.”

People Make The World Go Round” kicks off the album. This classic tune, originally made famous by The Stylistics in 1972, builds with incredible vigor and energy. The title track “It’s All Right With Me” and “Night and Day” allow Terrell to show her standards chops with the indelible Cole Porter tunes that sparkle with creativity and lushness. Terrell’s instrument is filled with warming sonorities. Her phrasing is original and captivating. Vibraphonist Joe Locke furthers, “Liz Terrell - Her sound pulls you in, and her beautiful phrasing and impeccable taste keeps you there. In addition, the beautifully conceived and arranged repertoire here makes this a stunning debut from a gifted artist. In my opinion, she belongs on the very short list of the best singers currently on the scene. Don’t miss this one if you can help it.”

A jazz album isn’t complete without the blues, and Terrell wisely chose Thelonious Monk’s “Blue Monk” to adorn the hallows of her album. Equally, a contemporary flavor is highlighted with Cyndi Lauper’s “Time After Time.” Not often covered, a Cy Coleman/Joseph McCarthy tune, “I’m Gonna Laugh You Right Out of My Life,” is given a sensuous mid-tempo feel. Terrell draws every drop of emotion from the lyrics.
Terrell pays tribute to Fats Waller with a medley of standards sung with maturity, humor, and just a touch of sex appeal. Elvis Costello’s “Almost Blue” features Terrell with pianist Daniel Clarke. The simplicity of the presentation highlights the lyrics, and she expertly balances her vocals between heart-wrenching and poised subtlety. A modernistic approach can be found with Steve Kuhn’s composition “The Saga of Harrison Crabfeathers.” Alternatively, a swinging good time can be had with the Ellington/Russell tune “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore.”

Before you know it, an hour has passed, and as the gentle fade of Burt Bacharach/Hal David’s “What the World Needs Now” floats off into the distance, you’ll find yourself starting the album all over again. It’s All Right With Me solidifies Liz Terrell as an artist to keep your eyes and ears on. Furthermore, vocalist Jane Monheit says, “I’ve known Liz for some time now and can honestly say she is one of the most promising new singers on the scene; her instrument is an absolutely gorgeous, lush alto, and her musicianship is top-notch. A true beauty of a vocalist and a person.”