Bye Bye Blackbird

German-born American jazz singer Kevyn Lettau’s latest CD is a collection of standards with a Brazilian touch, made delicate and listenable largely thanks to her pretty, nuanced voice and phrasing, guided and supported by well-known Brazilian arranger/guitarist Dori Caymmi. Yellowjackets pianist Russell Ferrante and Brazilian percussionist Paulinho Da Costa are two other big names who contribute their sexy instrumental expertise to the disc. A large string section adds to the lushness as well. Cole Porter tunes “I’ve Got You Under My Skin,” “I Concentrate On You” and “It’s Delovely,” and Duke Ellington’s “Love You Madly” and “Sophisticated Lady” are some of the standards that get the lovely Lettau treatment. Her thoughtful rendition of “Sophisticated Lady” allows the listener to hear and absorb the lyrics. Her sensitive covering of Kermit the Frog’s “Being Green” (it really does have the staying power of a standard) is nicely decorated by Larry Goldings’ relaxed melodica solo.