The Holly Cole Trio Don't Smoke In Bed 180g LP

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Holly Cole brings her own dimension to the tradition of cabaret, a strong voice that's still capable of nuance, an ear for quirky repertoire, and a light touch that keeps some of these performances floating just at the edge of irony.

On her second album, 1993's Don't Smoke In Bed, Cole explores varied musical styles, adding pop, blues, country and a French ballad to her standard, low-key jazz. Analogue Productions have given this album the reissue treatment it deserves. Bernie Grundman did the mastering, from the original analog tapes, at his Los Angeles studio, giving this release a spectacular foundation. Plating and pressing on 180-gram heavyweight vinyl was done by Gary Salstrom and crew at Quality Record Pressings, makers of the world's finest-sounding LPs. Lastly the package has been wrapped in a premium gatefold tip-on jacket from Stoughton Printing. There's nothing but aces in this smokin' hot reissue and the quality shines through.

Holly's delivery of more traditional fare shines on Cole Porter's witty "Get Out of Town" and Kurt Weill's torchy "Je Ne T'aime Pas", while she brings clarity, power, and anthemic passion to the surprising treatment of Johnny Nash's "I Can See Clearly Now". She's generally well supported in this intimate set by pianist Aaron Davis and bassist Davd Piltch, while there's sparing and effective use of strings. There are fine guest spots by tenor saxophonist Joe Henderson, on "Everyday Will Be Like a Holiday", and David Lindley, whose steel guitar contributes to the strange country music of "Don't Let the Teardrops Rust Your Shining Heart".

Superlative, small-group jazz, as definitive a recipe for audiophile acceptance as a concept gets, this absolute stunner from 1993 has long demonstrated the worth of a sound system at shows. Remastered by Bernie Grundman from the original master tapes and pressed on 180g vinyl, it delivers immediate satisfaction on every level, a rare case of the music matching the sonics. Silky sound, seductive vocals, refreshing reworkings of 'I Can See Clearly Now,' 'The Tennesee Waltz' (covered so many times that it's a miracle one can find a new delivery), a cheeky but sincere 'Que Sera Sera' - this is a no-brainer purchase on every level: it's why we love LPs.