Gretchen Parlato: The Wise Ones

I’m consistently amazed that vocalist Gretchen Parlato never disappoints; all of her albums are unique, clever and strong. This latest with Gerald Clayton/p, Mark Guiliana/dr, Alan Hampton/b and Robert Glasper/key with a handful of guests makes for a new and more soul/CTI-flavored sound, and it works well.

Teamed with Hampton, the Parlato hints at folksy feels during “In My Bedf”, the sleek and poppish “Capricorn” and “It’s You”, while Glasper brings out the urban chick in her on “Alrady Gone”. Some wonderful vocal percussion and harmonies are provided by Becca Stevens during “Mad World”, with Amber Navran adding to the dreamy waft of the title tune. There’s some nice tropical moods with Ndegeocello for “Never Come Down”, and rich soul grooves are pulsed for “Rainbow” and “If It’s Magic”. Wisdom in song form.