The most prolific of the Transfers when they’re not in Manhattan, Cheryl Bentyne has developed an impressive catalogue of her own. This one adds to the collection with some extra style, delving into what could have been the overplayed Cole Porter Songbook. Luckily for us, Bentyne adds some style and takes a few vocal chances that work exceedingly well. She’s put together an all star team of LA’s best: Corey Allen/p, Kevin Axt/b, Larry Koonse-Octavio Bailly/g, Dave Tull/dr, Doug Webb/reeds and Chris Tedesco/tp, as well as a guest appearance by the late James Moody.
She shows her ability at vocal gymnastics and an intrinsically playful sense of swing on material like the hard driving “It’s Alright With Me,” and “What is the thing Called Love,” while the depth of her dynamics and emotion on the luscious “I Love Paris.” But it’s the trickier tunes that work best. Her dressed with only a piano on “Just One of those Things” is daring and delightful, as his her working without a net as she goes toe to toe with Tull on “Begin the Beguine” is as deft as Ali’s rope a dope. Her voice is as strong as a Central Valley Chardonet, and is as pleasing to all of the senses as well. You’ll love this one!
Summit Records