Jazz-singer, composer and lyricist. All these qualifications are true for versatile and multi-talented Yvonne Smeets in her debut CD Under a cloud. This rich scope of talents results in four compositions of her own in quite varied musical colours: from the grooving title song to the philosophical Circle. That she aims high is clear from her choice of six compositions by jazzmasters Dave Holland, Kenny Wheeler and Wayne Shorter - from the latter his Black Nile, Adams apple and Iris- all sung with her own, striking lyrics. Moreover she presents two songs by Kate Bush and three Brazilian songs (a.o. Jobim). Yvonne Smeets music is always pure, warm en never obvious. It can be the wit and finesse of the musical story she tells, the spirited improvisations she scats along, or the relaxed grooves. The singer is supported by the subtly swinging and open sounding trio of guitarist Jens Larsen, bassplayer Maciej Domaradzki and drummer Emanuel Donadelli. For three songs she chose as sole accompaniment the piano of Tilmar Junius. With a beautiful outcome that is both delicate and intriguing. The remarkable debut of a singer who makes choices both attractive and daring and already deserves her very own place in jazz.