Hannah Gill opens the album with “Moonlight Saving Time,” a song composed by Harry Richman and Irving Kahal, and first recorded in the early 1930s. Ruth Etting did one of the great early versions of this song. Later Blossom Dearie gave her own delicious rendition, and Hannah Gill seems inspired more by the Blossom Dearie version, delivering a lively, swinging rendition. The band sets the tone before she comes in, placing us in those days of swinging nightclubs. When she does come in, approximately a minute into the track, the focus is then on her voice. And what a voice! One that is cheerful, warm, bright and beautiful. This track also features some wonderful work on piano, and a fantastic moment toward the end when the horns cut loose along with the drums. I wish it went on a little longer. “Moonlight Saving Time” is followed by “You Were Only Fooling.” This is a song that Patsy Cline and Connie Francis covered, but before those versions, it was recorded by Blue Barron And His Orchestra. Hannah Gill gives us an excellent rendition, this track contains some great stuff on drums, and from the brass section. But again, it is her voice that completely sells it. There is no sense that she is trying to imitate a sound, trying to recreate something from the past. It all just lives within her, and comes out naturally.
Apparently Hannah Gill is a big fan of Ella Fitzgerald’s work. “I Fell In Love With A Dream” is a song that Fitzgerald released on a single somewhat early in her career, and is one that Gill covers on this release. Her approach is warm and hopeful, her voice making it feel like all of life could be a dream. There is also some nice work on guitar, both at the beginning and again halfway through. That’s followed by “You’re Getting To Be A Habit With Me,” this version beginning on bass. It’s a very cool opening. Hannah Gill sounds so happy to find she’s addicted to the person’s charms. And aren’t we all, when it happens? Is there anything better than surrendering to that feeling? The horns seem to take her across the dance floor, moving like a dream. You get the sense that even when that special someone isn’t with her, she is able to dance with him all the same, with the idea of him, and that’s a feeling that keeps all of us going.
Hannah Gill gives us a wonderful rendition of “Put ‘Em In A Box, Tie ‘Em With A Ribbon (And Throw ‘Em In The Deep Blue Sea),” here listed simply as “Put ‘Em In A Box.” This track features delightful stuff on piano, and a rhythm that will have you at least swaying, if not dancing. This music is just so damn good. Doris Day recorded this song, and she had a hit with the song that follows, “Everybody Loves A Lover,” the album’s title track. This rendition by Hannah Gill comes on strong, with a great opening burst of energy, and featuring some excellent work on drums. This track moves at a good clip. There is such joy in Hannah Gill’s delivery. There is even truth heard in the line, “And I love everybody.” Ah, wouldn’t it be great to feel that way? Perhaps if we can keep music like this playing at all times, it could happen. I absolutely love this rendition. It’s one to get you dancing and shaking. There is something delightfully loose and carefree about it. Check out that section with piano, bass and drums. Ah, this is what it is all about.
Hannah Gill then slows things down with “Lullaby Of The Leaves,” delivering a gorgeous vocal performance. And the piano work on this track has a dreamlike vibe at moments. “And let me dream a dream or two/Sing me to sleep, lullaby of the leaves.” With her voice sending me to bed, I am excited to see just what those dreams will be. Approximately halfway through the track, there is a really good lead on bass, followed by some more wonderful work on piano. And let that horn work its charms on you. There is no way you can keep from falling under this track’s spell. That’s followed by “What Can I Say After I Say I’m Sorry,” a song from the mid-1920s, when it was recorded by Josephine Baker. Gordon Webster begins this one on piano. This track contains yet another strong vocal performance. “What can I do to prove it to you that I’m sorry?” Oh, who could do anything but accept her apology willingly, eagerly? And then take up the dance where you left off. That’s what this rendition seems to encourage. A dance will certainly get any two people past the troublesome spots, no problem. This track features some really nice work on clarinet.
The Nat King Cole Trio released an excellent rendition of “This Will Make You Laugh” in 1941. Hannah Gill delivers a wonderful rendition of it on this album, each member of the brass section getting a turn to shine. That’s followed by another song that Nat King Cole recorded, “Autumn Leaves.” Hannah Gill’s version begins with some beautiful, moving work on piano, and then it suddenly, and surprisingly, kicks in. Yes, it becomes a swinging and cheerful rendition, and it features a good lead on guitar. She concludes the album with “It’s A Sin To Tell A Lie,” delivering a lively, hopping number. The band is totally grooving and swinging here. There is even a short drum solo. I love it. This is another of this disc’s gems. What a remarkable debut album! I can’t wait to hear whatever Hannah Gill does next.
CD Track List
- Moonlight Saving Time
- You Were Only Fooling
- I Fell In Love With A Dream
- You’re Getting To Be A Habit With Me
- Put ‘Em In A Box
- Everybody Loves A Lover
- Lullaby Of The Leaves
- What Can I Say After I Say I’m Sorry
- This Will Make You Laugh
- Autumn Leaves
- It’s A Sin To Tell A Lie
Everybody Loves A Lover was released on September 8, 2023 on Turtle Bay Records.
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