Dena Derose's attractively sultry voice is a perfect fit with her septet, which also features her own excellent piano work. Bolstered by strong arrangements from Steve Davis, the group focuses mostly on standards, and the whole band joins in the fun.
Steve Wilson is equally capable on soprano and alto saxophones, and he is given ample time to stretch. In addition to his writing, Davis blows a mean and dirty trombone, and trumpeter
Ingrid Jensen continues to impress. It is
DeRose, though; who makes the outing special. Her phrasing is immaculate, and she swings with abandon. At times, her voice seems influenced by vocalist
Susannah McCorkle, but DeRose's style is sufficiently her own Her fine piano solos mark her as a jazz stylist, but it is her singing that sets her apart. With any luck, she should go far. ~ Steve Loewy