Precious Love by Karen Shivers: A Jazz Gem That Still Glows
If you're a sucker for jazz vocals with enough soul to fill an entire room, Precious Love by Karen Shivers is the kind of album that'll make your ears perk up like they've been waiting their whole life for this moment. Released in 2005 on Pony Boy Records, it's one of those records where every note feels intentional—like someone took their time crafting something real instead of just throwing sounds together.
Karen Shivers has this smoky, velvety voice that wraps around you like your favorite blanket. It’s cozy but also kinda dangerous, if that makes sense? The lineup behind her doesn’t hurt either—Bill Anschell’s arrangements and piano work are pure class, while Dave Peterson’s guitar licks add little sparks of magic throughout. And let’s not forget Greg Williamson on drums; dude knows how to keep things tight without stealing the spotlight.
Now, onto the tracks. I gotta talk about “You Go To My Head” because—it’s just chef’s kiss. This version hits different. Maybe it’s the way Shivers stretches out certain words, almost like she’s savoring them. Or maybe it’s Larry Barilleau’s subtle percussion touches that give the song this hypnotic groove. Whatever it is, it sticks with you. Like, you’ll catch yourself humming it days later when you’re stuck in traffic or trying to figure out why your coffee tastes weird today.
Another standout is “Monk’s Dream.” Honestly, I wasn’t expecting much from a Thelonious Monk cover at first (no shade to Monk, he’s a legend), but wow, did they nail it. Bill Anschell’s piano shines here, bouncing off Doug Miller’s bass lines like they’ve been jamming together forever. And Karen? She owns this track like it was written for her. There’s a rawness to her delivery that makes you feel like you’re sitting right there in the studio, watching the whole thing unfold.
The album isn’t perfect, though. Some of the remakes might feel too familiar if you’re already deep into the Great American Songbook. But hey, sometimes familiarity ain’t such a bad thing. It’s like running into an old friend who still gets under your skin in all the right ways.
What strikes me most about Precious Love is how timeless it feels. Even though it came out nearly two decades ago, it doesn’t sound dated. In fact, it could drop tomorrow and still turn heads. Maybe that’s the beauty of jazz—it doesn’t chase trends; it creates its own vibe and dares you to keep up.
So yeah, give this one a spin. Whether you’re chilling after a long day or hosting some fancy dinner party (you know, the kind where people actually care about music), Precious Love will fit right in. Just don’t blame me if you end up playing it on repeat and annoying your cat.
Oh, and here’s a random thought: If Karen Shivers ever decided to open a diner, I’d be the first customer. Something tells me her pancakes would taste as smooth as her voice.
