JENNIFER WARNES: Another Time, Another Place (BMG)

WARNES says her first album in 17 years was inspired by the spirit of her friend and former collaborator Leonard Cohen — ‘he aimed for your heart’ — and there is a warm, intimate glow to these blues and country covers. I Am The Big Easy salutes the resilience of New Orleans in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, and show tune I See Your Face Before Me is adorned with accordion and woodwind. At 71, she sounds at ease with herself and her sublime voice. ★★★✩✩