Mark Lambert
has diverse musical interests, having played as a sideman with various pop, rock, and jazz artists. His second CD as a leader is very different from his debut, as his focus is not on originals but creating fresh interpretations of standards, obscurities, and even an offbeat choice. The guitarist, who plays both electric and acoustic instruments, also has a slightly nasal vocal style that swings effectively while remaining accessible to those just getting familiar with jazz. His rhythm section includes pianist
Vana Gierig
, bassist
Matthew Parrish
, and drummer
Alvester Garnett
, all of whom provide strong support. His unusual setting of
Cole Porter
's
"I Love Paris"
is a surprising opener, which incorporates a good deal of Arab influence, including pre-recorded street chants in the background and a Middle Eastern undercurrent supplied by the strings of
the Avenue C Orchestra
, while he also includes the frequently omitted verse -- a nice touch. Another
Porter
standard,
"I've Got You Under My Skin"
is a more conventional bossa nova, though sung and played with finesse by the leader. He sets up
"But Not for Me"
with an acoustic solo before switching gears to a strutting, swinging arrangement. The late vocalist
Betty Carter
"Tight"
is an inspired choice, which
Lambert
sings with the proper degree of hipness. There is one misfire, a radically reharmonized treatment of
Cream
's hit
"Sunshine of Your Love,"
a piece doomed by its sappy lyrics and repetitious melody. But one disappointing track hardly keeps
Under My Skin
from being a fine outing by
. ~ Ken Dryden