If I were asked to rate the top UK jazz singers it would probably be a list stretching from Land's End to John O'Groats - there are just so many of them. Back in the day there was Cleo, Norma, Val and a few comers like Claire, Clare and Carol before the scene erupted and there were (girl) singers seemingly growing on trees everywhere.
Paul Pace's legendary sessions at the Spice of Life saw a host of singers (90% female) strutting their stuff. It was like a conveyor belt as they sang Cry me a River, My Funny Valentine or Summertime. Occasionally there were moments when singers such as Sarah Ellen Hughes stood out from the crowd and whose flame flickered briefly before returning to the security of the day job.
Zoe Francis' template for this excellent album was to pay homage to the great Blue Note organ and guitar trios such as Larry Young and Grant Green. With assists from Ross Stanley and Jim Mullen she has been successful giving a selection of well-loved songs, and I quote, 'A fresh update without losing their timeless artistry'.
The title track, composed by Billy May and Milt Raskin in 1960, was used as one of the themes for the TV series The Naked City. Green and Young recorded a version on Green's Blue Note album Street of Dreams and Francis added new lyrics to Young's introduction.
There's a certain louche presence in the relaxed, laid back, vocals that make them all the more appealing. Ballads such as Who Can I Turn to?, Maybe September and Too Late Now send icy fingers up and down my spine with each listening such is the magical quality of her voice.
However, to single out any one track is unfair to the rest, all are impeccably sung and played by Francis, Stanley and Mullen - drums would be surplus to requirement.
Peter Bernstein echoed my thoughts when he wrote in the blurb, "This is a great record that stands out in its beauty and courage".
Amen! Lance.
Release date June 16 on Diving Duck Recordings DDRCD030 from usual suspects.
Somewhere in the Night; Who Can I Turn to?; Too Late Now; When the Sun Comes Out; Show me; Be my Love; Maybe September; Autumn Serenade; Skylark; Midnight Sun; Sweet and Lovely.
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