Shank, Kendra
Challenge, 2009, CD
Instrument: Female Vocals
Issue: 15.3
Jazz Ruler Type: Ballads, Blues
Performance: 4
Sound: 3
Score: 
O’s Notes: Kendra is back with a strong band that includes Ben Monder (g), Frank Kimbrough (p) and Dean Johnson (b). Her voice is soft and gentle as she opens with the cover of Carol King’s “So Far Away”. She follows with a tune that brings out her improvisational genius, “Life’s Mosaic” one of a precious few in this session. Most of the music is popular standards recast with Shank’s warmth. Cole Porter’s “All of You” and Johnny Mandel’s “The Shining Sea” are examples. These are not bad selections but they don’t highlight Kendra’s creative strengths as well as “Time Remembered” or the aforementioned Cedar Walton cover. Nevertheless this is a good set.
Publicist: Red Cat Publicity
