Sandra-Mae Lux: Seasons in Jazz

ECN MUSIC (RELEASED MAY 30, 2025)

Many jazz vocalists take songs from the Great American Songbook and make them their own. Not Sandra-Mae Lux. On her latest release, Seasons in Jazz, Lux performs 11 originals in the tradition of the Great American Songbook and owns them! With an uncomplicated, natural vocal style like Chris Connor or Anita O’Day, Lux’s delivery is perfect for these tunes that tell a story and are filled with meaning. That is what Lux loves about the golden era of songwriting from the late 1920s to 1950s, and she has captured that feeling on Seasons in Jazz not only in style but in the names of the tunes. There are up-tempo swingers such as “Are We Having Fun Yet” and “It’s Only Spring,” ballads such as “When Autumn Calls” and “Everyone Else Knows,” even a bossa nova titled “Perfect Weather.” She caresses the heartfelt lyrics written by Alan Marriott with her warm and intimate voice. Lux crafted the mostly ABAA style compositions and arrangements for two separate trios. Many tunes provide pianists Bob Barron or Christian Vaughan with an opportunity to display their crisp and swinging styles. Guitarist Tristan Paxton is added on the medium swing “It’s Only Spring.” He also provides a sensitive counterpoint on the guitar/vocal duo “There’s a Door.” Lux adds her luscious tenor sax playing to “Love Me Tonight” and “Perfect Weather” and repeats the ballad “When Autumn Calls” as an instrumental. Take special note of “This December Love,” a tune that will become a regular on my annual holiday radio show. While many contemporary vocalists have abandoned the style of the Great American Songbook for tunes reflective of the angst of their personal struggles, it’s refreshing to hear a vocalist write and perform a set reflective of the beauty and heartfelt nature of the Great American Songbook. There is a phrase at the end of “It’s Only Spring” that summaries how I feel about Lux — “Am I growing fonder of you?” After listening to Seasons in Jazz, you’ll grow fonder of Lux as well.

BOTTOM LINE: With its disco and funk flavor, Sandra Mae Lux’s freshman release, Happily Ever After was forgettable. She has redeemed herself with Seasons In Jazz, an unforgettable session featuring 11 original compositions inspired by the Great American Songbook. That means memorable melodies and heartfelt lyrics all delivered in an uncomplicated and natural style.