Sometimes jazz musicians get their big breaks at school, and others from mentors on the bandstand. And others…from their job in land use regulation?
Such is the case for singer Susan Hinkson, whose debut album Just In Time (on windfall creations, LLC) is a spirited romp through the Great American Songbook. For years Susan was a regulator and policy maker for architectural real estate both for the city of New York and as the managing member in the Capalino Ventures, LLC urban strategy firm. Among those with whom she worked closely was Richard Barth, the touchstone of regulatory real estate land use, who introduced her to his brother Bruce. Straight No Chaser fans are well-acquainted with pianist Bruce Barth, an important part of the New York jazz scene for decades.
Ms. Hinkson has an expansive knowledge of showtunes, immersed in the music by a mother who was a musical arranger on Broadway. Together they listened to the storied Make Believe Ballroom radio show on WNEW-FM that played all the popular songs of earlier years. So when she met Bruce Barth to talk about voice lessons, the two knew they had a deep sense of musical commonality. Fast-forward to the present, and the result is Just In Time . The album features Barth on piano in a superb New York quintet comprising alto saxophonist Steve Wilson, bassist Vicente Archer and drummer Adam Cruz.
Susan digs deep for some lesser recorded runes like the Rodgers/Hammerstein tune “This Nearly Was Mine” from South Pacific, as well as better known classics like the title track, “My Funny Valentine,” and “It Might as Well Be Spring.” With a nod to her favorite singers, she delivers a fun version of Blossom Dearie’s “Rhode Island Is Famous For You,” and goes against type with female-centric versions of “The Best is Yet to Come” and “One for My Baby (and One More for the Road).”
Podcast 996 is my conversation with Susan, as we discuss her late start in recording and her attraction to “boy songs” in choosing repertoire. The podcast features her versions of “The Best is Yet to Come,” and "Thus Nearly Was Mine."
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