Judith Owen frequently walks the high wire without a net. She is an accomplished singer and songwriter with a long career singing her bold compositions and is an equally accomplished pianist. Her latest release, “Judith Owen Come Alive,” is hot off the heels of her daring jazz/R&B album “Come On and Get It.” Owen, one of the most daring live performers on the road today, has developed a near-telepathic relationship with her current jazz band, New Orleans-based Gentlemen Callers.

The result is the energy and enthusiasm typical of Owen’s album in a fantastic live jazz setting. The sixteen tracks build and build in intensity. Owen and her band don’t play it safe with her arrangements for these wonderful American Songbook songs. 

“Lady Be Good” is a beautiful example of Owen’s vocal stylings and prowess as an arranger. Owen, a champion of female jazz and R&B singers, combines her usual flare with touches of New Orleans sass and her incredible phasing. After the first verse of “Lady Be Good,” the listener is locked in and eager to journey with Owen and Her Gentlemen Callers. “Satchel Mouth Baby” swings with authority. Owen’s voice dances with the rhythm section while the trumpet solo conjures a different time and place. “Skylark,” an American songbook classic, is given new life by Owen. Her pleading vocals and the melodic electric guitar accompaniment are beyond captivating, while the end tenor solo will bring a tear to your eye. “The Spinach Song” is a delightful and swinging surprise. Her interpretation proves that she can do no wrong, and no matter how daring, The Gentlemen Callers are up for the challenge. The song, with its double entendre, is a swinging masterpiece. 

The album closer, “Real Gone Guy,” justifiably has the audience clapping along. Owen doubles down on the swing with her nuanced delivery and lively phasing. Sensing her enthusiasm, the band reflects it back to her with a jumping rhythm and sax and bass solos that will leave the listener with their mouth agape. 

Judith Owen Comes Alive is brilliant. It’s also a great companion to her 2022 album, Come On and Get It”. I hope to see Owen perform these great songs soon. Still, in the meantime, “Judith Owen Comes Alive” and her eye-opening podcast, “Unapologetically Judith Owen,” will have to suffice.