Josefine Cronholm - Wild Garden (2002)

In some ways, Josefine Cronholm is a Danish equivalent to Cassandra Wilson. She uses folk-oriented songs (all but one number on this set are her originals) as a vehicle to display her voice and to get a message across. Her English is very good and her lyrics are often insightful. Cronholm, who has a strong and appealing voice, is greatly assisted by the Chet Baker-inspired trumpet of Flemming Agerskov and a supportive rhythm section. The selections range from downbeat ballads to more optimistic medium-tempo vamps (à la Dianne Reeves), with the subject matter dealing with love, loneliness, and past regrets. Josefine Cronholm's haunting voice fits the unusual music well.