A ray of sunshine in
these dark times

Woke up a couple days ago to "Melt Down" being played on NPR and I think that is a good sign for this catchy rhythmic piece. Meanwhile, "So Blue" is a rolling blues (of course), while the melancholy "After the Fire" presents a scorched landscape evoking the fires that burned near Hilton's Malibu home last year. But the gloom is overcome in the interesting title track, where hope shines through the winter sky. Hilton is at her romantic best on the original "So This is Love," a joyous standard-like piece. And the pianist's solo turn on the lovely Malibu morning is reflective and leads into "Sunset on the Beach" - a nice trio setting with a light Latin feel.

Hilton also covers Joni Mitchell's "Ladies of the Canyon," Hoagy Carmichael's "Skylark" (also solo) and Pete Seeger's "Where Have All the Flowers Gone," and to her credit crafts something new and personal out of these beloved tunes. The latter song also has the advantage of donating the proceeds from downloads to the Carter Center to advance the cause of peace and health worldwide. Rounding out the record, Hilton and her band take on her friend and neighbor, Joe Zawinul's "Mercy. Mercy, Mercy" in an earnest and funky rendition that I'm sure he would have enjoyed hearing. Sunny Day Theory is a nice and positive recording that is like a ray of sunshine in these dark times.