The first-call New York based vocalist is one of those versatile singers with a dynamic range and loads of strutting style who can do it all and make it look effortless: jazz, big band, swing, pop, Broadway, and more. Not that she really needs the boost, but marketing people love it when big names brag about brilliant up and coming talents: Grammy winning vocalist
Mark Murphy says, "
Amy London, where have you been hiding? Don't leave us so long without another CD." Best known for singing in the vocal trio Jazz Babies and her lead vocal quartet part in the musical City of Angels,
London contributes only two literal co-writes to this shimmering collection (the vibrant, witty, and optimistic "It Could Be So Nice," and the cautiously romantic "Such Eyes, So Beautiful"), but she finds a way to make the standards she covers completely autobiographical. First, she's the Midwesterner making good in the big city ("There's a Boat That's Leaving Soon for New York," the soul searching medley of "Ohio/Anyplace I Hang My Hat Is Home"). Then, she's the baby boomer picking quirky chestnuts from the catalog of
Laura Nyro (the subtle jazz trio piece "Lazy Susan") and Dr. Doolittle ("When I Look in Your Eyes"); and finally, the jazz sophisticate covering the classic
Dizzy Gillespie tune "Wouldn't You?" with witty, wild phrasing and sizzlin' scat over punchy horns and a jumpy rhythm section. The album was produced by
Suzi Reynolds, who is well known for her productions with
Teri Thornton,
Jerome Richardson,
Rufus Reid (who appears on the London project on bass), and other top jazz names.