The story goes that, in 2000, while pianist/vocalist was playing regularly at in New York's Lower East Side and well before she earned eight Grammys, she received an invitation to sing some with guitarist and his band. Reluctantly, admitted to a paucity of -singing experience. Thankfully, was persistent. Listening to the rootsy, organic beauty evidenced on , you'd never know hadn't ever sung the . Inspired by the classic work of artists such as and , is a kind of album featuring ' particularly haunting vocal style. It's more mainstream than , but fans of that album should cotton easily to ' work here. Conceptualized around the post-9/11 title track, most of 's songs are reminiscent of the work of . Notably, a melancholy and atmospheric profession of a love that just can't be denied, showcases as mellow diva, while finds the pianist's breathy style perfectly suited to the nugget. As for leader , he takes the vocal duties on and graces most of the tracks with his thoughtful and tempered guitar sound. ~ Matt Collar