Erin Bode

On her sophomore release, Erin Bode's confidence rises to the level of her vocal ability. Bode keeps her jazz feel, but expands her 1970s singer-songwriter approach by co-writing 11 of the tunes, making for an ingratiating set that recalls Norah Jones, Joni Mitchell and James Taylor. To top it off, Bode gives a complex jazz reading to "Alone Together," highlighting the standard's dark and slightly sinister center.