Mark Winkler - The Mona Lisa Sessions

Café Pacific Records, 2024

West Coast vocalist Mark Winkler did not always consider himself a “jazz” singer, as evidenced by the release of his uniformly fine Late Bloomin’ Jazz Man (Café Pacific Records, 2022). Winkler defines himself, perhaps more appropriately, as a song stylist, a slightly broader characterization in which jazz singers live. The singer is also a noted lyricist, penning lyrics to established jazz-related compositions (vocalese) as well as his own original compositions. Winkler’s voice has developed over his 22 releases from a “lyricist singer” into the full-blown item. This is most fully evidenced by his firm tonal command of the material he programmed for his The Rules Don’t Apply (Café Pacific Records, 2023) and this extended play recording, The Mona Lisa Sessions.

Winker’s later recordings reveal a sweetness in his singing similar to that of Jeff Baker and John Proulx with a greater establishment in his midrange. The development of Winkler’s instrument rhymes with how Miles Davis’ trumpet tone evolved during his early pre-second-great-quintet career, filling out his midrange playing. The Mona Lisa Sessions is a brief six-song EP featuring five standards tempered with one original composition. On that original, “A New Color,” Winkler dives directly into the metaphor he developed for the emotions surrounding new love and the growing appreciation of that love. Accompanied only by pianist/coproducer Greg Gordon Smith, Winkler gives a seminar in ballad writing, producing a living suite, brimming with pathos and gratitude in a brief 02:38.

Winkler treats his standards gently, even when they adopt a brisk Latin tempo as on “More Than You Know.” “Embraceable You” employs a whole band with Smith, bassist Gabe Davis, drummer Chris Wabich, guitarist Grant Geissman, flugelhornist Nolan Shahedd, whose tart solo chorus spars well with the eloquence of Winkler’s sensitive delivery. The Styne-Comden-Green standard “Just In Time” has Winkler superbly framed by drums and bass alone. The result is an exceptional performance. Winkler's duet with Cliff Beach ("You Showed Me The Way," California Soul Music, 2023)) is equally exceptional.

EPs offer a readily consumable amount of music, one that does not require the attention of reading a novel while still imparting its artistic charm to the listener. That Winkler makes the sounds is an added plus, making The Mona Lisa Sessions beautifully accessible and an exceptional listening experience.