California native, and since 2017 a resident of New Orleans, vocalist Gabrielle Cavassa takes a poetic approach to her lyrically-driven compositions that fill most of this self-titled album. From the onset, Cavassa has romance on her mind—the passion, the confusion—opening with an original, “It Was Supposed to be a Love Song.” Her clear, soft, and tonally high voice delivers this and many of the tunes with a sense of timidity or perhaps innocence.

New Orleanians will perhaps take notice of the inclusion of the song “To You My Love,” which was written by our own Germaine Bazzle. It was recorded by the A.F.O. Executives and sung by Tami Lynn on the album Compendium that appears on Harold Battiste’s A.F.O. label. Cavassa takes some liberties on her version while revealing herself more fully as a jazz vocalist. With the always solid drumming of Jamison Ross, who also co-produced the album, the tasty guitar work of Ari Teitel and the intricate piano displayed by Ryan Hanseler, this selection offers some appreciated diversity to the release.

Calling in the horns of saxophonist Braxton Cook on “Inside My Arms” and New Orleans trumpeter Ashlin Parker for “19th & Judah” adds some punch as well.

The album turns to the Billy Eckstine classic, “I Want to Talk About You” to close out. It offers Cavassa the opportunity to display her full vocal range and the song is also enhanced by Ross’ always musical drumming and a fine bass solo by Lex Warshawsky. This chestnut stands as a way for Gabrielle Cavassa to wish listeners and lovers a warm goodnight.