19 Apr
Experience and Judgement by Andy Bey
Monday, 19 April 1999
Published in
Jazz Vocals - CD Reviews
When Andy Bey's 1996 album, 'Blues Ballads and Bey' appeared on the scene, the first impression was of a genius, cut from whole cloth. Like Kaspar Hauser, he appeared as if…
The world has been waiting for this glorious reissue of Chris Connor's years with Atlantic Records. The two CD package includes a nice booklet with complete personnel but u…
02 Apr
Half Past Swing by Uptown Vocal Jazz Quartet
Friday, 02 April 1999
Published in
Jazz Vocals - CD Reviews
Oh! Hold on to those dancin' feet! From Merifield, Virginia comes the Uptown Vocal Jazz Quartet accompanied by a great big band. The quartet is composed of Ginny Carr, R…
31 Mar
The Birth of Sprawl by Rita di Ghent
Wednesday, 31 March 1999
Published in
Jazz Vocals - CD Reviews
Born in Hamilton, Ontario, Rita di Ghent and her band are booked for just about every major Canadian Jazz Festival this summer. This very throaty (is that a word?) singer s…
Dena is one of the bright up and coming Jazz vocalists who will help define the Jazz singer for the new millennium. Smooth, sassy and with wonderful phrasing, Dena is on th…
Emma Pask is a young and versatile Australian jazz vocalist. She is accompanied on this CD by a very exciting large orchestra led by Aussie trumpeter, James Morrison. This …
Born in Butte, Montana, Kathleen Kolman was the daughter of a jazz musician. She now resides in New England and performs regularly at the Common Man Restaurant in Ashland, …
The California born Dee Daniels now makes her home in Vancouver, Canada. Although this recording is not brand new material, we received it just recently. Daniels is known t…
07 Mar
Stardust and Dreams by Rebecca Ryan
Sunday, 07 March 1999
Published in
Jazz Vocals - CD Reviews
Rebecca Ryan is one of the most gifted jazz vocalists and jazz pianists to arrive on the music scene. "Stardust and Dreams" will become a classic, and if you don't own a co…
02 Mar
Well Meet Again by Mose Scarlett Washington and Whiteley
Tuesday, 02 March 1999
Published in
Jazz Vocals - CD Reviews
I have no idea what lucky magic brought these three entertainers together originally but thank God for the fact that something or somebody did. What a wonderful combination…
I think I'm in love! This CD by vocalist and composer, Sharon Moore has been on my desk for a couple of weeks. Frankly, I can't stop playing the darn thing. Originally, …
24 Feb
Something To Live For by Ella Fitzgerald
Wednesday, 24 February 1999
Published in
Jazz Vocals - CD Reviews
I find it difficult to review any Ella Fitzgerald material. The superlatives have all previously been transmitted in books, newspapers, radio, TV, magazines, morse code, sm…
22 Feb
Just Think of It by Denise Montana and Jeff Gordon
Monday, 22 February 1999
Published in
Jazz Vocals - CD Reviews
I can't think of a finer way of starting off the century and the year 2000 than with this romantic jazz CD and its smooth jazz of eleven selections! There is a lot of sweet…
17 Feb
Spirit Child by Lenora Zenzalai Helm
Wednesday, 17 February 1999
Published in
Jazz Vocals - CD Reviews
Lenora Zenzalai Helm needs no introduction to jazz fans. The lady with the sultry and mystical voice is right at home with this new release. A great mix of old and new song…
17 Feb
In Budapest by Ella Fitzgerald
Wednesday, 17 February 1999
Published in
Jazz Vocals - CD Reviews
What is there to say about any performance by the late "Ella"? The superlatives have all appeared in print, radio, TV and every media known to mankind including smoke si…
16 Feb
Lulus Back In Town by Mel Torme
Tuesday, 16 February 1999
Published in
Jazz Vocals - CD Reviews
As you are probably aware, Mel Torme passed away June 5th at age 73 having left us a wealth of recorded performances. This reissue from the Bethlehem Archives is certainly …
14 Feb
This Thing Called Love by Kris Adams
Sunday, 14 February 1999
Published in
Jazz Vocals - CD Reviews
Kris Adams is a very impressive young vocalist. The Boston-based artist issued her debut CD in late 1999 for Jazzbird and I was pleased to receive this copy recently. Kris …
13 Feb
Too Hot For Words by Terry Blaine featuring Mark Shane
Saturday, 13 February 1999
Published in
Jazz Vocals - CD Reviews
The band changes slightly from the last session reviewed here last week. Clarinetist Allan Vaché and drummer Ed Metz Jr. traveled up from Florida. Allan is regularly heard …
The Duchess" is Doris Spears' debut CD for Dreambox-Encounter and is quite a treat. The singer kicks off with a spirited version of Evil Gal Blues, once a very popular item…
09 Feb
Look No Further by Diane Hubka
Tuesday, 09 February 1999
Published in
Jazz Vocals - CD Reviews
This is Diane's second release, and let me tell you, it's wonderful. What's to like about this recording? The fact that she covers compositions that are not too well know o…
03 Feb
Listen With Your Heart by Natalia Nazarova
Wednesday, 03 February 1999
Published in
Jazz Vocals - CD Reviews
The American debut CD by Russian vocalist/actress Natalia Nazarova takes a rather novel approach in that the singer pursues pop, smooth jazz and straight-ahead jazz in both…
02 Feb
Night Cap by Patrick Arena & Andy Monroe
Tuesday, 02 February 1999
Published in
Jazz Vocals - CD Reviews
Patrick Arena has a hell of a voice! He doesn't so much reinvent the 10 vocal standards that are appear on his debut release Night Cap as he takes control of them with a po…
30 Jan
Faces of Love by Marcelle Gauvin
Saturday, 30 January 1999
Published in
Jazz Vocals - CD Reviews
Faces of Love introduces the beautiful jazz voice of Marcelle Gauvin to jazz listeners, and she is a joy to listen to! Backed by an excellent group of musicians, Gauvin shi…
Alex Pangman is an incredibly young songstress from Toronto, Canada. At age 22, she must be truly the youngest of the "Red Hot Mammas". In this debut CD, Alex has drawn upo…
I only have one thing to say to Barbara Morrison. Thank you for the voice, and thank you for the music. This is an inspired and emotional recording deserving wider recognit…
One of twelve children, Lincoln was brought up on a farm in Michigan, and at the age of fourteen moved to Kalamazoo with her mother, where she started performing in high sc…
12 Jan
All In Good Time by Asa Harris
Tuesday, 12 January 1999
Published in
Jazz Vocals - CD Reviews
This new release by Maxjazz should be on the racks by the time you read this. Vocalist Asa Harris appears in duo, quartet and quintet combinations with other Chicago musici…
07 Jan
It's All About Love by Carla Cook
Thursday, 07 January 1999
Published in
Jazz Vocals - CD Reviews
Now living in New York, jazz singer, Carla Cook was born in Detroit and influenced by the Motown sounds, classical and gospel music. She performs internationally today and …
06 Jan
Peggy Cone Sings by Peggy Cone
Wednesday, 06 January 1999
Published in
Jazz Vocals - CD Reviews
Peggy's full length recording begins with a luscious ballad rendition of Gershwin's, "I've Got A Crush On You". Fine singing from Peggy as well as Andrew Hall's sympathetic…
06 Jan
Peggy Cone & The Central Park Stompers by Peggy Cone
Wednesday, 06 January 1999
Published in
Jazz Vocals - CD Reviews
Get ready to party and dance the night away. Peggy Cone is hot and swings like crazy, thanks to Peggy's ability to project a lyric and have fun doing so. A first rate band …
05 Jan
Take the High Road by Linda Ciofalo
Tuesday, 05 January 1999
Published in
Jazz Vocals - CD Reviews
Linda's recording features a balanced mix of standards and originals. Starting of with an upbeat version of Cole Porter's, "You Do Something To Me". This track features the…
Bey's primary instrument is his voice, and his is one that in a few short years has demonstrated distinctiveness and maturity. Combining his own natural components of middl…
30 Aug
Paradise Cafe 2am by Barry Manilow
Sunday, 30 August 1998
Published in
Jazz Vocals - CD Reviews
An unlikely addition to a jazz site, but nonetheless Barry Manilow's inclusion is well merited. A long standing jazz lover, this album is possibly more important to Mr Mani…
Jazz vocals laced with sensitive blues stylings and innovative phrasings are the heart & soul of the entertaining performances Eva Cassidy brings to her CD collection, SONG…
06 Jul
The Novelty Salesmen by The Novelty Salesmen
Monday, 06 July 1998
Published in
Jazz Vocals - CD Reviews
This is an album of pure unadulterated joy. The harmony is as smooth as cashmere and as cool as a South Beach cocktail. The tunes are perfect choices with a few brought bac…
29 Jun
Someone To Watch Over Me: The Songs of George Gershwin by Susannah McCorkle
Monday, 29 June 1998
Published in
Jazz Vocals - CD Reviews
I have listened to this CD collection several times now, and my verdict is: This is one of the finest jazz vocal collections available on the songs of composer George Gersh…
24 Jun
Heres To Ben: A Vocal Tribute to Ben Webster by Jacintha
Wednesday, 24 June 1998
Published in
Jazz Vocals - CD Reviews
HERE'S TO BEN captures the essence of jazz vocals by Jacintha. She sings each song with a pure, jazzy feel that is one of a special kind. This 9 selection collection showca…
21 Jun
Destination Moon by Charmin Michelle
Sunday, 21 June 1998
Published in
Jazz Vocals - CD Reviews
Charmin could have easily been a member of the Shirelles. Her lilting voice, positive, articulate delivery and great sense of fun herald back to an age (a golden one at tha…
19 Jun
Sing! Went the Strings of My Heart by Loretta Cormier
Friday, 19 June 1998
Published in
Jazz Vocals - CD Reviews
Prior to settling in San Antonio, Loretta Cormier performed in D.C., Maryland and Virginia. The Texas-based jazz singer has now released her debut CD encompassing 13 standa…
16 Jun
It's Anybodys Spring by Karen Shane
Tuesday, 16 June 1998
Published in
Jazz Vocals - CD Reviews
My introduction to the songs of Karen Shane is a most welcome experience. Karen has a pure jazz voice and beckons the listener into a sense of feeling "very much at home". …
What an interesting way to begin a CD..scatting. Daria invites us to a beautiful aural experience through a tantalizing version of the standard Angel Eyes. Pianist Jonathan…
Philadelphia singer Denise King sent a copy of her new release, "Simply Mellow". This is "straight ahead, no nonsense jazz" performed by a mature vocalist in the tradition …
29 Nov
Good Company by Janet Marlow
Tuesday, 29 November -0001
Published in
Jazz Vocals - CD Reviews
When it starts, you hear synthesizers and plaintive guitar - the start of a typical "smooth" album. Then the theme closes with a catchy three-note pattern and the guitar ge…
This disc is a good representation of balance of jazz, blues, ballads and snappy standards. There’s no lack of interpretation here and it never gets stale. The determine…
Last month a jazz fan wrote to us inquiring on where to purchase a CD by an jazz vocalist she had heard perform, "Sandra Booker". We had never heard of Sandra, however from…
29 Nov
Here Comes Allan Harris And The Metropole Orchestra by Allan Harris
Tuesday, 29 November -0001
Published in
Jazz Vocals - CD Reviews
If you are unfamiliar with Allan Harris as I was, get a hold of this CD and introduce yourself to a wonderful jazz singer and a jewel of an album. An album that beautifu…
29 Nov
Somethings Coming by Grace Testani
Tuesday, 29 November -0001
Published in
Jazz Vocals - CD Reviews
This long awaited CD from this fine vocalist is finally available. When listening to Grace, you know immediately that she means business. Her voice is like an instrument th…
29 Nov
One night in Paradise by Cookie Coleman
Tuesday, 29 November -0001
Published in
Jazz Vocals - CD Reviews
Vocalist, Cookie Coleman delivers a real gem with One Night in Paradise. This recording has it all. Great arrangements from Adi Yeshaya, a first rate band, fine sound, and …
The Jazz Review is always on the look-out for young new talent to inform its members about. Well we have found one of the best new female jazz vocalists around. We found Lo…
Although new to my ears, the wonderful voice of Loretta Holloway is known to the followers of the Las Vegas jazz scene. Born in Belton, South Carolina, Loretta has performe…