The songs that John Lennon and Paul McCartney wrote and recorded with the Beatles in the 1960s
have left lasting impressions on all of us. They are timeless anecdotes from an era of exploration
and change. On Let It Be Jazz Connie Evingson places each of these familiar melodies into a
mainstream jazz
context with a natural feel and a seamless transition.
Based in Minneapolis and a veteran of four previous CD releases, Evingson possesses a
clear alto vocal range with an easy-to-like lyric delivery. Vivid and accurate expression remains her
greatest asset.
Along with pianist Mary Louise Knutson, she’s created jazz interpretations of these classic
songs that settle the argument as to which era of popular music should remain a part of the jazz
repertoire. Popular songs of the 1930s and 1940s fit just as well as these baby boomer pieces, and
we agree that 21st century popular music has a place in jazz too. The answer is: jazz suits all good
music, regardless of age or era.
Evingson and Knutson reshape the Lennon/McCartney program as blues, bossa nova, tango,
reggae, Dixieland, and bebop. Scat singing gets interwoven with the acoustic sounds familiar to
straight-ahead jazz. “Blackbird” includes the Beatles mysticism of an electric sitar, “Wait” recalls the
sassy guitar style of Wes Montgomery, “Can’t Buy Me Love” recalls the romantic, nighttime appeal of
Peggy Lee’s singing career, and “I’m Looking Through You” recalls the soulful sixties sound of
Fender Rhodes and guitar in a combo format.
Considering the significant number of beautiful songs that John Lennon and Paul McCartney
wrote in collaboration, Evingson should pick up where this album leaves off with another collection
arranged with jazz on the menu. The vast umbrella of jazz makes these things possible, and
Evingson’s highly recommended album comes to us with welcome arms.
~ Jim Santella
