Vocalist
Diane Hoffman constructs a second independently produced disc of standards, interpretations, and one original, a hip, reflective homage dedicated to a deceased French dancer friend named Noelle.
Hoffman's voice is seasoned and admittedly similar in phrasing to that of
Carmen McRae. She honed her artistry over many years, coast hopping from Cambridge, MA, to California and then New York City. During this period she played folk guitar, became an accomplished mural painter, and a choral singer. Along the way she recruited the excellent pianist and arranger Oliver Von Essen, tenor saxophonist
Jerry Weldon, and on four cuts for this effort, guitarist
John Hart.
Hoffman sounds better as the program moves along, especially on the ballads. Perhaps taking her time to enunciate properly is more to her advantage, as interpretations of "When Love Was All We Had" or the superior take of "Blackberry Winter," featuring
Hart, readily displays. Another slow song "When Did You Leave Heaven?" showcases a melodic
Weldon, Von Essen on organ and Don Militello on Fender Rhodes, making for interesting sonic contrasts. Her best swinger is the organ-driven take of "Sunday in New York," with
Weldon at his swinging best. The singer is also fond of Brazilian rhythms, as heard on the upbeat version of "Gone with the Wind," at a similar pace as the samba-flavored, book-of -
Billie Holiday (inexcusably spelled Billy in the notes) evergreen "You're My Thrill," and the light bossa "Yellow Days" with an inspired
Hart. On the low end,
Hoffman's perceptive imprecision shows up during
McRae's famous lyrics on
Thelonious Monk's "Well, You Needn't," and there are intonation problems during "Close Enough for Love." This is not a groundbreaking or ultimate recording for
Hoffman, but her talent and compatibility with excellent sidemen is easy to enjoy. The third time should be the charm. ~ Michael G. Nastos