Loverlyis a studio album by American jazz singerCassandra Wilson,released in 2008 via Blue Note label. This is her second-ever album of jazz standards.[12]Loverlywon the Grammy Award as theBest Jazz Vocal Albumin 2008.[13]
Andy Gill ofThe Independentwrote: "For Loverly, she reverts to the bread-and-butter of traditional jazz vocals, with a set consisting almost entirely of standards recorded with a small combo featuring the exploratory piano of Jason Moran and the diffident guitar of Marvin Sewell. The decisive player, however, is Nigerian percussionist Lekan Babalola, whose polyrhythmic flurries perk up Duke Ellington's 'Caravan' and a version of 'Gone With the Wind' whose elegant unison guitar and piano recalls Steely Dan. "[14]John Fordham ofThe Guardianstate: "It's one of this Enigma tic artist's most satisfying albums in a long time."[5]The Buffalo Newsreview by Jeff Simon noted, "...that's what" Loverly "is—the jazz vocal disc of the year, thus far, at the very least. No one else could have made this disc. It's joy from beginning to end."[4]
Kathryn Shackleton ofBBCcommented: "Cassandra Wilson is best known for singing originals and unusual covers, but standards are where she started. Loverly was produced in a rented house in her Mississippi hometown, with assembled invited musician friends who got down to the business of recording then and there. It’s impressive to hear the class and character Cassandra has injected into these 20th century songs."[15]John Bungey ofThe Timesadded: "Wilson’s smoky alto remains one of the most beguiling sounds in jazz and blues."[16]
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