Here are a couple of female vocalists that are undeservedly under the radar, and add an extra texture to the book of Standards.
Melissa Errico has a voice that used to be termed “legit.” In other words, she sounds like a Broadway singer, with a clarity that was made for Disney or Webber. Here, she’s covering the songbook of Michel Legrand (has it ever been done by a male?)with some luscious and emotive strings produced by Phil Ramone. Errico has a vocal clarity that makes you pay attention to and re-visit lyrics to better known tunes like “What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life” and “You Must Believe In Spring,” as well as holding back on the potentially overly dramatic “The Windmills Of Your Mind.” Slightly less unearthed material like “Dis-Moi” or “His Eyes, Her Eyes” have a vulnerable romanticism to them that are sensuously alluring. Late night music for musing, or for playing chess in front of a fireplace with a potential
burglary suspect.
Ghostlight Records
www.melissaerrico.com
Meanwhile, Sue Halloram, along with Ken Hitchcock on a plethora of woodwinds, run through a collection of well arranged material ranging from a small band take of “I’ll Take Romance” and “Look At That Face” with Carlos Franzetti/p (who also handles most of the arranging),Chip Jackson- David Finck/b and Ray Marchica/dr to material like “A Quiet Thing” which has supplemental strings by the Prague Philharmonic. Halloram herself is able to coo over a tune like “I’ve Got It Bad” or be brassy and sassy as on the title track. She looks good in all colors on this disc, and serves up a good blue plate special of material.
Sue Halloran & Ken Hitchcock: I Can Cook Too!
Suznken800@aol.com