Unison Sunnyside****

Vienna-born New York vocalist Maria Neckham writes all of her own material and delivers it in a sweet, pure soprano that belies the dark sophistication of the lyrics. Her third album as leader is a collection of finely crafted songs that range from angular downtown jazz to poetic duets with cello to catchy indy-style numbers that wouldn’t be out of place at the thoughtful end of the pop spectrum. For jazz listeners, interest will be piqued by the talented group she has been working with, including pianist Aaron Parks and bassist Thomas Morgan, two of the most talked-about youngsters on the New York scene.

Neckham’s tunes give them the room to stretch out and play; as a singer she has the technical wherewithal to leave the lyrics behind and become another instrument in the ensemble. Saxophonist Will Vinson and guitarist Nir Felder also make notable contributions to a recording that manages the difficult balancing act of accessibility without compromise. marianeckham.com