This is Norma Winstone’s fifth collaboration with Glauco Venier and Klaus Gesing – their first was Chamber Music recorded for Universal, Austria, while Descando is their fourth for ECM – and is quite possibly Winstone’s best. Both pianist and bass clarinettist seem ever more closely attuned to the intimacy and intensity of their musical relationship with the singer, which has gradually blossomed since Distances from 2008. For the first time on record, they introduce two new voices into what had been an intimate trio with Norbakken providing percussive accompaniment and on some songs, Brunello providing cello counterpoint. Neither intrudes, blending seamlessly into the music in a way that adds rather than subtracts. Finding fresh, interesting and musically stimulating material is a perennial problem for the jazz vocalist, especially as repertoire can often define a singer, but Ms. Winstone’s unerring ear for what is right for her has almost become part of her art. Here, she has arrived at a selection of songs that perfectly suit not just the intimate approach she adopts with Venier and Gesing, but also suits their approach to accompanying her. Songs for Films comprises lesser-known movie tracks by Michael Legrand, Nino Rota, Ennio Morricone, Luis Bacalov, Armando Trovajoli, William Walton and Bernard Hermann to which Ms. Winstone has added her own lyrics, thus personally customising them in a unique and personal way. While some singers choose to sing at their audience, Winstone sings to her listeners, creating a close-up and personal relationship where her voice and tone give meaning to the lyrics and the lyrics give meaning to her voice. It’s a delicate balancing act, but when it works, as it does here, it can create something meaningful and profound.