Guitarist Eric Krasno and drummer Stanton Moore are well-travelled jazz veterans. The Covid pause allowed them time to consider a project together. They recruited another Eric (Findland) to play keyboards. They chose to re-imagine nine iconic songs made famous by female singers.

Krasno Moore Project Book of Queens (Concord)

There are some obvious choices, and some not so much. The arrangements often find new corners to illuminate, though Findland's organ and keyboard lends a strong Muscle Shoals feel. Recording the album at the Levon Helm studio in Woodstock probably had a little something to do with the sound as well.

Krasno and Moore fall in pocket immediately, and Findland provides the lush connective tissue. The performances are assured and unhurried. Polished, but too involved to be laid-back. The mood this album creates, however, is one of ease and reflection.

More hypnotic than relaxing (I know; work with me), this album does justice to the queens of its title. Tackling legends is not advisable, but these guys have the chops to make it work. A lovely enchantment.

Jon Worley