Madeline Eastman's second recording would be recommended if only for the "backup" group (altoist
Phil Woods, pianist
Cedar Walton, bassist
Tony Dumas, and
Vince Lateano plus a guest vocal by
Mark Murphy on Bob Dorough's "You're the Dangerous Type"), but even if the musicians were anonymous this set would be worth checking out.
Madeline Eastman is a creative singer with an appealing voice. Most of the tunes are vocal standards, but they also include such offbeat choices as "Freedom Jazz Dance," "Four," and "Never Never Land." Other highlights include fresh renditions of "Cheek to Cheek," "Turn out the Stars," and "All of You." ~ Scott Yanow