Perennially and undeservedly overlooked as one of the most tasteful singers around, Stallings delivers another solid album here of standards with Bruce Barth/p, Steve Nelson/vib, Peter Washington/b Kenny Washington/dr, Ray Mantilla/perc. Her voice is clear and soulful, and she can go soft with Washington’s brushes on the sleek “Close Your Eyes” and can get earthy and aggressive as she bops with guest trumpeter Freddie Hendrix on the bopping “Night In Tunisia.” Her voice resonates as clearly as Nelson’s vibes as they strut together on “Li’l Darlin” and get sauce on the confident “I Want To Talk About You.” You can feel the fun in her voice on the snappy “Monk’s Dream” and her sepia tones as she goes alone with pianist Washington on “Reflections.” I’m not sure what else you want in a singer, but I’m sure Stallings could fill any order.
High Note Records