Music Review: Jennifer Leitham: Left Coast Story (Sinistral Records, CD)

Jazz bassist Jennifer Leitham puts her virtuoso playing front and center on this CD. A true master of standup bass, Leitham isn't a showoff, as the spotlight falls equally on her fine trio, particularly pianist Josh Nelson who shines throughout. Playing a well-chosen selection of mostly standards (including a few from “West Side Story”, in keeping with the title) and one original, Leitham exhibits extraordinary command of her instrument, moving effortlessly from upbeat swinging tunes to more somber, restrained tones, sometimes within the same song. While Leitham's vocals (only on a few tunes) aren't a highlight, there's plenty to enjoy for lovers of smokey-lounge jazz on this pristinely recorded disc.