Simone Waddell's Unforgettable is a Masterclass in Contemporary Jazz - Album Review

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SIMONE WADDELL’s ‘UNFORGETTABLE’ is a Masterclass in Contemporary Jazz

– Album Review –

(15th May 2026)

Review by Audrey Songvilay

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Following the massive success of The Art of Collaboration, the highest-selling Australian jazz album of 2022, which featured over 60 musicians, Simone Waddell has returned with a work of striking intimacy and authority. With Unforgettable, Waddell unveils her most commanding and artistically complete work to date. It is a recording of remarkable beauty and elite musicianship that sets a new benchmark for contemporary jazz vocal albums both in Australia and on the global stage.

Produced by Waddell alongside ARIA Award winner Michael Tan, the album functions as a “luminous and meticulously crafted collection” that balances international ambition with a rare, grounded authority. Waddell has delivered “a defining statement” that transcends the typical covers album. This is a recording of “substance, clarity, and enduring impact,” marking the moment a seasoned artist transitions from a respected contemporary to a global benchmark in the genre.

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Just The Way You Are

Waddell opens the record by leaning into the 1977 Billy Joel classic, but don’t expect a carbon copy of the FM radio staple. This is a remarkably sultry take that feels like the sonic equivalent of stepping out of a cold street and into a dimly lit, high-end restaurant where the whiskey is expensive and the lighting is low. There is a fascinating duality at play here; the track functions as a duet with the brilliant Australian Jazz vocalist Gregg Arthur where Waddell’s voice blends with a seamless, intuitive grace. She manages to strip away the soft-rock sentimentality of the original, replacing it with a sophisticated jazz pulse. It’s an inviting, warm introduction that signals exactly what this album is about: taking the familiar and dressing it in velvet. It’s an exercise in restraint and atmosphere that sets a high-style tone for the rest of the journey.

Windmills Of Your Mind

There is a certain rasp to Waddell’s vocals on “Windmills Of Your Mind” that makes it almost impossibly easy to listen to. It’s the kind of texture that only comes from a vocalist who truly understands the mechanics of their own instrument. On this track, she puts her range on full display, navigating the swirling, cyclical melody with a technical precision that never feels academic. Instead, it feels lived-in. The arrangement allows her the space to explore the philosophical weight of the lyrics, and that slight edge in her tone adds a layer of modern grit to a song that can often feel dated in lesser hands.

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‍Watch What Happens

The transition into “Watch What Happens” is handled with exquisite care. It begins with a delicate piano intro by the award winning and internationally renowned Australian jazz pianist Paul Grabowsky, who plays on all ten tracks of the album. This is where the album’s “elite musicianship” really starts to shine. The orchestration is lush but never crowded, allowing Waddell’s soft, controlled delivery to take centre stage. There is a sense of optimism in her phrasing here that contrasts beautifully with the more brooding textures found elsewhere on the record. It’s a sophisticated, breezy interpretation that showcases Waddell’s ability to handle complex arrangements with a light, almost effortless touch, proving that she is as much a storyteller as she is a singer.

Still Crazy After All These Years

Paul Simon’s songwriting is notoriously difficult to cover because his phrasing is so idiosyncratic, but Waddell approaches “Still Crazy After All These Years” with a “theatrical voice” that demands attention. The vocal intro is strong and direct; it confronts you from the very first syllable. This isn’t a shy interpretation. As the track unfolds, we’re treated to some truly great guitar riffs by the incomparable #1 Australian jazz guitarist, James Muller that provide a bluesy counterpoint to Waddell’s commanding presence. There’s a dramatic flair here, a sense of narrative arc that mirrors the song’s themes of nostalgia and lingering eccentricity. The interplay between the “theatrical” vocal delivery and the sharp, rhythmic guitar work creates a tension that is deeply satisfying. It’s a bold reimagining that honours the folk-rock roots of the 1970 original while firmly transplanting it into the world of contemporary jazz.

The Way We Were

On “The Way We Were,” the opening is incredibly sultry. Soft and delicate yet underpinned by a vocal strength that keeps the track from becoming overly sentimental. It feels seductive and, at times, quite haunting, though she never tips over into melodrama. There is a “striking intimacy” here; it sounds as if Waddell is singing directly into your ear. The way she stretches out the vowels and toys with the tempo gives the song a new, slightly darker edge. It’s a seductive take on a song we all think we know, proving that in the right hands, even the most well-worn classics can feel “haunting” and fresh. Waddell captures the longing of the lyrics with a “velvety grace” that makes this one of the most emotionally resonant moments on the album.

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How Do You Keep The Music Playing?

This may very well be the crown jewel of the album. “How Do You Keep The Music Playing?” opens with a haunting intro that perfectly captures the “longing” inherent in the title. It is a “deeply powerful duet featuring Doug Williams and Marcus Printup,” and the chemistry is undeniable. Williams and Waddell weave their voices together with a “heartfelt intensity” that is both vulnerable and powerful. Marcus Printup’s trumpet work is, quite simply, perfect. It adds a mournful, golden hue to the arrangement. This track is widely and rightly praised for its emotional impact; it’s where Waddell’s “strong vocal range” is most impressively showcased. The rasp in her voice pairs beautifully with Williams’ tones, creating a tapestry of sound that is “world-class.” It’s the kind of performance that stops you in your tracks, a “rare cohesion” if you will.

What Are You Doing The Rest of Your Life?

Michel Legrand’s compositions require a certain level of emotional intelligence, and Waddell delivers that in spades here. Accompanied by “masterful” piano playing that provides a rich, harmonic bed, her vocals are soft and imbued with “longing undertones.” Waddell’s phrasing is particularly impressive on this track. She knows exactly when to lean into a note and when to let it breathe. It is “moving emotionally” without being heavy-handed. There is a clarity to the recording that highlights the “substance” of the lyrics. It feels like a quiet moment of reflection in an album of big statements.

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Bridge Over Troubled Water

If you thought you knew “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” think again. Waddell takes the 1970 Simon & Garfunkel folk-rock anthem and turns it into something “groovy” and unexpectedly fun. The track is anchored by a fantastic double bass by the extraordinary Melbourne based musician Philip Rex, and drums by the legendary and masterful David Jones. Together the Grabowsky, Rex, and Jones trio create the musical foundation of the entire record. Guitar work by Damien Cooper is stellar, adding a contemporary edge to the “finely balanced interpretation.” It’s a “rhythmic” departure that shows Waddell isn’t afraid to play with sound. By injecting a sense of soul and funk into the arrangement, it’s a defining statement of her versatility. It’s a joyous, sophisticated rework that stands out for its sheer energy.

What The World Needs Is Love

Taking on a Burt Bacharach icon is no small feat, but Waddell does it justice while adding a distinct, “upbeat” twist. Most modern covers of this song tend to slow it down to a crawl, leaning into the pathos, but Waddell opts for a more driving, optimistic approach. It’s a refreshing change of pace that highlights the “timeless style” of the composition. Her vocals are bright and clear, cutting through the arrangement with a sense of purpose. It feels like a celebration. Includes the smooth backing vocals of Scottish singing sensation Mary Kiani, who has sung backing vocals on Waddell’s last four albums, as well as Kiani’s choirs across Sydney all singing together with the powerful message of LOVE. A very unique and special track with so many voices in one accord.

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Unforgettable

Fittingly, the album closes with the title track. “Unforgettable” is delivered with “poise, warmth, and timeless style.” As the “iconic” centrepiece of the record, it serves as a summary of everything Waddell has achieved here. The production is meticulously crafted, allowing her exceptional tone to shine. It’s a performance of “rare refinement” that honours the legacy of Irving Gordon while cementing Waddell’s own place as a leader in contemporary jazz. It is a commanding and artistically complete work that sets a new benchmark for jazz vocal albums.

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The Verdict: Unforgettable is a “world-class contemporary jazz vocal recording” that proves Simone Waddell is operating on a level of “striking intimacy and authority.”

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About SIMONE WADDELL

Simone Waddell is one of Australia’s most respected contemporary jazz vocalists, recognised for her exceptional tone, musical sophistication, and deeply expressive performances. Her career spans decades of high-level performance, recording, and collaboration with leading artists across Australia and internationally. Her previous album, The Art of Collaboration, brought together over 60 of Australia’s finest musicians and became the highest selling Australian jazz album of 2022, earning widespread recognition.

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