Judy Niemack is a top-notch jazz singer, a chance-taking improviser, and a talented lyricist. On this CD from the French Freelance label, she wrote the lyrics to six of the 11 songs, including tunes by Mike Stern, Steve Slagle, and Don Grolnick. Niemack, who only performs one standard (“You Don’t Know What Love Is”) on this intriguing set, is assisted by pianist Kenny Werner, bassist Scott Colley, and drummer Adam Nussbaum, with appearances from several guests, including harmonica great Toots Thielemans, violinist Mark Feldman, and percussionist Café. Well worth exploring. – Scott Yanow