I'd be jazz

Jane Monheit's latest album is a whirlwind of otherworldly augasms

Ok let’s get a few things straight off the bat.

If I was a musical genre, I would doubtless be jazz. Most people hate it. But there are some extravagantly-smart people who get it. They understand the magic of improv; that it’s not just a cat whining or a ton of bin lids clattering around in an unexpected tornado strike. Improv is exactly what this newsletter is; until four minutes ago I had no idea it was ready for pouring from these fingers.

An augasm is what your ears have when they are titillated by something sonically sublime.

Exhibit A: Jane Monheit’s latest album.

I don’t know about you, but whenever I hear anything very jazzy, I always feel Christmassy. Listening to Jane’s latest bouquet of bangers this morning got me feeling more Christmassy than Chris Rea having dinner with Santa Claus.

Jane is one of the most humble jazz chanteuses I’ve ever met. Stacey Kent, Hailey Tuck - they’re my pantheon of authentic, joyful, relatable singers who can be relied upon for cheer, or contemplation.

Jane’s latest album runs 10 songs deep.

I’ve never heard a version of Whatever Lola Wants the way Jane sings it. There’s something mournful in Monheit’s mouth-magic but on this track there’s something else. It feels like being inside the head of someone who’s travelling through space at a very high speed. It’s a smooth ride, of course, and the view is remarkable. That’s how I feel, anyway. YMMV.

See if you can find an hour to unwind.

And if you can’t, Trijntje Oosterhuis has you covered. Such a simple, beautiful, upbeat song.