Calladine is a new name to me. This could possibly be because she spent over a decade in Dubai and the wider Middle East. However, since those days she has been making a name for herself on the UK (London) jazz and soul scene - on the strength of this album I have to add, deservedly so.
The voice is as smooth as silk making it, in effect, more soulful than some of those other soul sisters who come at you firing both barrels from a 12-bar shotgun.
The gentle swing that McCarthy, Tytherleigh and Potts lay down behind the voice is the perfect cushion with McCarthy's solos the epitome of taste and Tytherleigh's bass lines something really special - particularly on Dream a Little Dream of me.
The material is well-balanced, a mix of originals and standards:
The Game: Composed by Calladine and McCarthy. A fast bossa that could have been penned by Jobim. A scat chorus doesn't detract from the authentic Latin feel.
Trouble in Mind: Richard M. Jones composed this one and Bertha 'Chippie Hill', Louis Armstrong and the composer had a hit with it in 1926. Rachael doesn't sound anything like Chippie and why should she? It's almost 100 years later. McCarthy plays blues guitar like he's just blown in from the middle-west - he's certainly impressed the population hereabouts.
What a Difference a Day Made: Both bass and guitar solo to great effect. Calladine plays around with the melody ending on an unusual choice of note.
Let's go Live in a Lighthouse: Written by McCarthy, it's the kind of song that could have been a 1940s' hit. Composer, singer, trio all capture that era whether by accident or intent.
Like Young: I've loved this cool Andre Previn song of sophistication ever since I flipped over the hip Buddy Greco version back in the 1960s. Rachael Calladine demonstrates her wide range and the guys are really swingin' along. Great singer, great song, great trio.
Northern Lights: Another Calladine/McCarthy compo - roll over McCartney and Lennon tell Ringo and George the news. A folksy feel, sombre and gloomy but also quite captivating. Potts' rumbling rhythm offers a suggestion of distant thunder.
Dream a Little Dream of me: Less full-on than the Mama Cass hit, the lyric is interpreted beautifully enhanced by the bass solo mentioned earlier.
Happening: Lyrics by Calladine, music by Brian 'Keys' Tharme. A Latinesque song with swingy bits in the middle. Potts is given the opportunity to shine which he does, Calladine goes out scatting.
The Air That I Breathe: A hit for the Hollies in 1974. This version is more romantic and comes across better as a vehicle for solo voice. Once again Calladine uses her wide range to advantage.
Peace: Horace Silver's classic is as relaxed and calming - almost soporific - as the title demands. More impressive bass playing. Brahms never wrote a lullaby, or had it played and sung, as effectively as this.
Catch her if and when you can and if you can't grab hold of the album, it's one for the playlist (put it on repeat). Lance
Release date: March 14. Launch party @ Lincoln Jazz Café March 2
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