Grace Sings From the Heart

In this album “Grace Sings From the Heart”, jazz-influenced accompaniments provide the perfect counterpoint to vocalist Grace’s melodic interpretations. With just Grace’s voice and but a solo piano or guitar, the result is lush but not overwhelming, and effortless to listen through. Los Angeles-based pianist Adel Francisco, contemporary jazz scion Tateng Katindig and “Chet Atkins champion” guitarist Ric Ickard put their creative spin on these classic songs. Grace’s smooth vocal delivers these beloved standards with elegant fluidity. “Til There Was You” (piano) is hopeful and vibrant, and segues to the flirty and playful “I Can’t Give You Anything But Love” (guitar). The usually melancholy “An Affair To Remember” (piano) progresses into a jaunty declaration of love. “I’m Beginning To See The Light” (guitar) is spirited but intimate, contrasting with the deliberate unhurried pace of “The Very Thought of You” (piano). Guitarist Ric Ickard provides a picturesque prelude to the sweetly sung goodbye song “I Wish You Love.” Next, “Our Love Is Here To Stay”’s opening verse makes a rare appearance, and goes into a bouncy chorus (piano). A plaintive “Embraceable You” (guitar) and optimistic “Someone To Watch Over Me” (piano) round out the requisite Gershwin selections. Finally, seemingly off into the next flight, “Skylark” (guitar) is the final outpouring of Grace’s heartfelt renditions.