Polly Gibbons - Many Faces of Love

Polly Gibbons descends from a grand tradition of jazz and blues women whose singing exudes strength, defiance and sassy wit. For 'Many Faces of Love', Gibbons has assembled a crew of some of the most skilled musicians in contemporary jazz to perform songs by Dr. John, Al Jarreau, Rickie Lee Jones, Patti Austin and others.

There are many pretenders to that throne, but Gibbons' artistry demands attention. British-born and just 30 when she made this album, Gibbons possesses a raspy, lived-in tone, a walloping sense of swing and a dramatic flair that grabs the heart. Emotionally, her singing ranges from a slow burn to a bonfire; interpretively, she always rings true. In London jazz circles, Gibbons has been acquiring a growing chorus of champions since her emergence a decade ago.

Her band is led by L.A.-based pianist and arranger Tamir Hendelman, who conjures up the slamming grooves, the feistiness and the jubilation that mark Gibbons' singing. Also accompanying Polly are violinist Christian Howes, guitarist Anthony Wilson, bassist Kevin Axt and drummer Ray Brinker.

A soulful young jazz vocalist destined to be a star! - Time Out

A truly exceptional, once-in-a-generation talent, possessing a voice of such sizzling intensity and raw emotion you could fry an egg on it. - Jazzwise