A large percentage of singers today have wonderful voices. But not all choose the best material.

Too many pick tired songbook standards that are worn thin. Others record songs they’ve written when, in fact, the material isn’t very compelling or engaging. Judy Wexler has a terrific voice and she’s done something fairly groundbreaking on her new album: She has selected 10 terrific, little-known ballads by contemporary artists, and she clearly was governed by love.

Her new album, Crowded Heart, features seven superb musicians: Alan Pasqua (piano, melodica, whistling); Larry Koonse (guitar); Josh Johnson (alto sax), Bob Sheppard (alto flute), Stefanie Fife (cello), Darek Oles (bass), Steve Hass (drums) and Aaron Serfaty (percussion). Pasqua wrote the arrangements and plays marvelous accompaniment piano.