There’s two ways to be successful as a vocalist. One is to have built up range and chops in order to conquer the song; think Sarah Vaughan. The other is to have a tone and means of expression that lures you into the tune, as in Billie Holiday. Here are three ladies that are the absolute best these days at the latter. They don’t go high or low-they go deep, and they keep it Spartan and simple. Like an expert chef, they trust the basic ingredients to do the job.
Karrin Allyson joins together with all stars Kenny Barron/p and John Paittucci/b for a delectable mix of Rogers and Hammerstein show tunes. The joy of this collection as the way she re-interprets pieces we’ve all grown up with. “I Cain’t Say No” is delivered in an almost desultory way a la Chet Baker’s “The Thrill Is Gone,” and she glows like the Oklahoma sunrise on “Oh, What A Beautiful Morning” as if she were sipping on an English Tea. “Bali Hai” and “Happy Talk” both include reflective moments, and Barron on the latter is a treasure. Allyson takes you from the depths of the South Pacific to the top of the Alps in expressiveness.
Cyrille Aimee mixes and matches with Adrien Moignard/g, Michael Valeanu/g, Sam Anning/b, and Rajiv Jayaweera/dr with tunes that capture the twinkle in Aimee’s eye. She delivers a free spirited mood on “Live Alone and Like It” and goes hot ‘cha on “Three Little Words.” Her nasally delivery is gloriously bohemian on “Samois A Moi” and is breezy on “Estrellitas Y Duendes” while she glows like a candle at night on “There’s A Lull In My Life” and does a folksy duet withMatt Simons on ”Each Day.” The guitars deliver droplets of mist on “Lazy Afternoon” and Anning bops with the best on “Laverne Walk.” What a delight!
Stacey Kent keeps it simple with guitarist Roberto Menescal/g, Jim Tomlinson/sax-fl and Jeremy Brown/b on this intimate and alluring collection of tall and tan, young and lovely standards in a mood of either Left Bank or Bossa Nova. She draws you into the shadows with Tomlinson’s tenor during “In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning” and lets space say volumes on “Embraceable You.” Some flute work allows for a starry night on “No Moon At All” while the gentle guitar strums envelop Kent’s jasmine voice on “Agarradinhos.” Bass and guitar bounce joyfully for the vocalist on a “Tangerine” that is sweet and seedless, while the trio create linen drapes the rustle in the wind on “The Very Thought of You.” Misty!