Vocalist Barbara Sfraga has tracked one of the most captivating jazz albums of the year with “Under the Moon.” Her vocal work is consistently inventive and sure, and she demonstrates a distinctive feel for how to unlock a song in a new way. Sfraga benefits from a terrific group of backing musicians, and in particular from her interplay with longtime collaborator/bassist Chris Sullivan. Their bass/vocal duet on Bob Dylan’s “Every Grain of Sand” is one of the highlights of an album filled with special moments. The title track, written by Angela Bofill, is a dreamy groove that Sfraga settles into with a wonderfully modulated vocal. Duke Ellington’s “Sophisticated Lady” receives a swinging treatment, calling forth a sweet bass solo from Sullivan and a Sfraga vocal that is so in-the-pocket that it is virtually a second instrumental solo. Sfraga’s debut for A440 is a major-league jazz record. Racked by Ryko.—PVV