Lyn Stanley (vocals); Otmaro Ruiz/Mike
Lang (piano); Chuck Berghofer (bass); John Chiodini (guitar); Aaron Serfaty
(drums); Luis Conte (percussion).
Lyn Stanley rose without a trace in 2011:
after a successful academic and business career she began singing live with
piano legend Paul Smith (best known for his association with Ella Fitzgerald), recording her first album in 2013. She has
had a prolific career since this late start, and “London with a Twist” is her
seventh album, and her second tribute to
the work of the late Julie London, an actor and singer at her peak in the 1950s
and 60s.
Lyn Stanley has a sultry alto voice and her
performance is poised and precise, with impeccable timing and perfect
enunciation. The rhythm section, who prefer to be known collectively as the
“Jazz Mavericks” have impressive pedigrees and provide solid support, with some
nice solos, especially from guitarist John Chiodini. The numbers are largely
chosen from the Great American Songbook (and why not indeed!), but with some
fresh surprises, notably Route 66, and even a bit of Springsteen: Pink
Cadillac has never before been delivered with such perfect diction. There
is a nice range of tempos: Goody Goody and Let There Be Love swing
along just fine, whilst Body and Soul and Love Letters are given
respectful ballad treatments.
London With a Twist is enjoyable and
well-crafted. The direct to disc recording gives a presence and edge to the album
and there are polished performances from all concerned.
James
H
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