Jamie Shew - Spicy, Classy (and a Little) Sassy
(Self Produced, 2025)
Vocalist Jamie Shew is patient and thoughtful. She allowed six years between her debut, A Place For Me (Self Produced, 2012) and her character and career defining Eyes Wide Open (Self Produced, 2018). The latter recording result after the death of her husband, bassist Roger Shew, at 41-years old, leaving Jamie a young, single mother. Shew channelled these experiences into a taut exercise of the journey through the five phases of grief. With progress never realized better than from a distant vantage, Shew’s Spicy, Class (and a little) Sassy. Seven years later, Shew has internalized her experiences and extended them with a new love in her life, new inspirations and aspirations.
Pianist Jeremy Siskind, guitarist Mike Scott, bassist Lyman Medeiros, and drummer Mark Ferber join Shew on Spicy, Class (and a little) Sassy. The album features 12 tracks-nine reimagined jazz standards and three originals (two by Shew, one by Siskind). Shew arranged and produced the recording. In full control of the details, Shew deftly guides the proceedings through some well-chosen chestnuts she sings with a muscular confidence and sure composure. Eschewing a lengthy introduction, the singer steps into “I Don’t Stand A Ghost Of A Chance” singing with the certainty of Vesper Lynd from Casino Royale (Sony Pictures, 2006). That is how commanding Shew is.
At an even slower tempo, Shew steers “Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered” with a firm hand, Siskind supplying the delicate filigree, Tempering Shew’s assured reading. The singer creates a jaunty, chin-forward performance of “All Or Nothing At All” led by guitarist Scott with a probing rhythm figure. His solo, over double-time, is loquacious and fast. Shew delivers a redefining version of the 1939 Altman/Lawrence classic. She parlays this vibe into a brisk take on the 1941 collaboration between Duke Ellington and Lee Gaines, “Just Squeeze Me (But Please Don’t Tease Me).” Shew’s “Enough” and “Letters From You” bare the singer’s heart allowing the listener the full spectacle of her considerable talent.
Discography
A Place For Me (Self Produced, 2012)
Eyes Wide Open (Self Produced, 2018)
Spicy, Classy (and a little) Sassy (Self Produced, 2025)