What I See

2013, Jazzed Media

with

Jeff Colella, piano
Larry Koonse, guitar & ukulele
Ron Stout, trumpet & flugelhorn
Bob Sheppard, bass clarinet & alto flute
Scott Whitfield, trombone
Chris Colangelo, bass
Steve Hass, drums
Billy Hulting, percussion

Produced by Judy Wexler & Jeff Colella
Arranged by Jeff Colella

If you’re up for something of an adventurous program exploring what may be new territory, this is an album you are going to want to hear.

– Seattle Post-Intelligencer

Though Judy Wexler’s reputation as one of the West Coast’s most compelling vocalists was cemented some time ago, What I See, her fourth release, suggests a heightened maturity, an even greater sense of assured imagination. Much like Abbey Lincoln—and at this point in Wexler’s musical progress, the comparison is quite valid—her skills as an actress are skillfully exercised, adding vivid shadings to her interpretations.

– JazzTimes

One of the best jazz albums of the year.

– Music Man Blog

Judy Wexler’s voice sounds consistently lovely, expressive and occasionally haunting. She fully understands the words that she interprets, and her version of “They Say It’s Spring” will stick in one’s mind long after it is heard.

-L.A. Jazz Scene

In terms of originality via interpretation, this singer is a deconstructionist who tears down the elements to find what others missed, then puts it all together again, but always with a bright positive spin even when wistful. The blissful equanimity with which Wexler addresses the philosophy and music is exquisite, so much so that there’s nothing to add, nothing to subtract.

– F.A.M.E. (Folk & Acoustic Music Exchange)

Wexler deserves comparison with the very best jazz singers working today.

– Soundstage Experience

What I See is one of the finer examples of what connecting to a song is all about.

– Critical Jazz

Judy Wexler is more than a mere singer of songs. She’s an actress, mood painter, song archaeologist, and vocalist par excellence. What I See is a marvel of sincerity and beauty.

– All About Jazz

A hard driving kind of seduction … Wexler can’t help become a hipster darling with this outing.

– Midwest Record

Judy Wexler’s voice sounds consistently lovely, expressive and occasionally haunting. She fully understands the words that she interprets, and her version of “They Say It’s Spring” will stick in one’s mind long after it is heard.

– Jazz Society of Oregon

One of the deepest relationships in jazz blossomed on the West Coast in the 1950s, when singer June Christy and arranger Pete Rugolo combined their gifts on numerous albums…The deep understanding between the two artists was particularly evident in their choice of songs; both had an eye for the unusual and the neglected, as well as lyrics that conveyed emotions of a more complex hue. This legendary synergy is mirrored in the modern-day relationship between West Coast singer Judy Wexler and arranger Jeff Colella, a bond that comprises the heart of Wexler’s excellent fourth album, What I See.

– All About Jazz

When Judy Wexler sings, there’s a story in every song, every note, every syllable. In every moment, she stirs emotion. Her tone, her phrasing, her comprehension of lyric, ensure a rare and distinctive authenticity. Surrounding herself with gifted jazz musicians, Wexler makes a lasting impression on lovely tunes, familiar and obscure.

-Pop Culture Classics