While young female singers tend to catch the eyes and ears of the general public, seasoned jazz musicians, critics, and fans are the ones to appreciate a veteran vocalist like
Carol Sloane. With over a half century of professional singing experience,
Sloane's voice is still magic as she captures the essence of each of the 11 ballads on this High Note CD. Guitarist
Paul Bollenback is the major soloist backing her warm interpretation of the bittersweet "Here's That Rainy Day."
Paul West's dancing bass propels her through a magical but playful take of "The Lady's in Love With You." Her bluesy, drawn-out rendition of "This Time the Dream's on Me" (a song usually played at a brisk tempo) is backed by pianist
Norman Simmons, one of the late
Joe Williams' favorite accompanists. But she pulls out all the stops with her unaccompanied introduction to an emotional "My One and Only Love." She also explores a few older gems, including a polished take of
Eubie Blake's "Memories of You" and a surprising bossa nova arrangement of stride master
James P. Johnson's forgotten chestnut "Whisper Sweet." Tenor saxophonist
Houston Person, who frequently played with the late
Etta Jones, is added on several tracks, including a delightful "The Night We Called It a Day."
Carol Sloane's magnificent performances throughout this disc will easily stand the test of time. ~ Ken Dryden