Sultry, as an expressive ballad in the spirit of the familiar jazz “torch song,” offers ample opportunity for the soloist to display warmth, melodic lyricism, and soul. Eccentric, on the other hand, requires considerable technical command as both the horn player and pianist are faced with quirky leaps, nimble runs, and a relentlessly eccentric rhythmic and melodic palette.
James Grant was immediately drawn to Shearer’s effortless command of technique, her sensitive and expressive playing, and her deep, intuitive musicianship, suggesting they record his works, and they did.