Ann Hampton Callaway
has a strong reputation as one of the top cabaret singers of the 1990's but, unlike most others in that idiom, she is also a talented jazz singer.
Callaway
, who has a beautiful voice with a wide range, always swings while giving strong emphasis to the lyrics she is interpreting. Her ambitious and successful
Ella Fitzgerald
tribute uses on some songs a string section (recorded in Estonia), an American big band, a trio consisting of pianist
Cyrus Chestnut
, bassist
Christian McBride
and drummer
Lewis Nash
and (On
"Do Nothin' Till You Hear From Me"
and "How High The Moon") guest trumpeter
Wynton Marsalis
. Although
does not sound that much like
Ella
, she pays tribute to
the First Lady of Song
through her repertoire (14 superior standards), phrasing and joyful swing. Highpoints include "A Fine Romance," "But Not For Me," an emotional "Little Girl Blue" and a stomping rendition of "Lady Be Good." This is a highly recommended elease that both serves as a memorial to
and as a strong introduction for jazz listeners to
. ~ Scott Yanow