Hindy Bare’s new album JILLO is a mix of straight ahead jazz, and funky soul-jazz. It was conceived as a tribute to author, humanist, and historian Jill Ker Conway, who became the first woman president of Smith College. The three movements of the Jill Ker Conway Suite depict different periods of Conway’s life. Sivery Grey reflects her early years in the wilds of Australia. Changing meters and poignant soprano saxophone lines from Dan Boissy give this track a wistful, longing quality. Verve is about several years of struggle early in Conway’s career. It has a hard bop feel, and this tune is cooking! Wizer bookends the album with two different cuts- the radio edit, and the Musician’s cut jam. With it’s funky feel, this song is about finding your groove, Sink into it and enjoy. Macy Gray’s I Try is a feel good instrumental featuring guitarist Hank Easton. Bare takes on J. Dilla’s Clap Your Hands with a fender Rhodes trio. This cut evokes a chill, hip-hop sensibility. Finally, Bare’s version of Stevie Wonder’s Isn’t She Lovely combines Latin, swing, guitar, saxophone, and a killer organ solo.