Want female singers? We’ve got enough, in fact, maybe ONE MORE than enough here for you here.
Veteran vibist Peter Appleyard has been on stage with a veritable “Who’s Who” of jazz, jamming with the likes of Goodman, Sinatra and Torme’. This disc has him with a snazzy little band of John Sherwood/p, Reg Schwager/g, Neil Swainson/b and Terry Clarke/dr as they team up with ten, count ‘em ten chirpin’ chicks, able to display their vocal wares with grace and style. A few, such as Emile-Claire Barlow and Elizabeth Shepherd are a bit difficult to distinguish, but others, such as the chesty-sounding Carol Welsman on “Night and Day” will catch your ear. Molly Johnson comes off like a late period Holiday on “Sophisticated Lady,” as sweet as cherry pie Barbra Lica” coos through “satin Doll.” There’s got to be someone here that you’re going to want to pursue, so enjoy this Whitman’s Sampler.
Not so much with Lisa Kirchner. Where to begin? When accompanied by stark sounds, such as the simple piano on “The Man I Love,” she can get away with her fragile and 70s pop voice. But do we really need another Helen Reddy? “Dying to Confess” and “Phat Hat” are agonizing, and she just doesn’t know how to give off any depth to the lyrics. Maybe good for 1-2 songs for Talent Night at McCabes….
Linus Entertainment
Verdant World Records