Album: Cassandra Wilson, Another Country (Membran)

Recorded in Florence and New Orleans with co-producer, co-writer and guitarist Fabrizio Sotti, this is a belting return to form by the best vocal artist in jazz.

It also marks the end of her 20-year contract with Blue Note, which increasingly look to be up jazz creek without a paddle. Bar "O Solo Mio" (which also gets a nice, funk-style reprise), all the material is original and includes some of Wilson's most passionate love songs. The vibe is acoustic and rootsy.