Molly Ringwald / Except Sometimes / Concord Records / Producer: Molly Ringwald & Peter Smith / Score: 8 out of 10
Fans of the ‘80s teen icon, and skeptics alike, may wonder why she is suddenly turning her artistic attention to jazz, but Molly Ringwald has not only got it in her DNA—her dad, Bob Ringwald, is a notable pianist and bandleader—but she was recording with him long before she began acting. Ringwald lends her cool, sultry vocals and strong instinctive phrasing to a colorful mix of standards, sweetly balancing the playful swing and gentle intimacy with the help of her ensemble of top musicians, led by pianist Peter Smith. Jazz radio has rightly jumped first on her graceful twist on “Don’t You (Forget About Me),” which infectiously blends her past and present and resonates emotionally beyond its inclusion as a nostalgic novelty. -Jonathan Widran
