For her second album, vocalist
Lynda Jamison has managed to once more have
John Oddo on board as conductor, pianist, and arranger. She also has several of the same participants with her as on her first trip to the studio, including
Glenn Drewes on trumpet,
Jim Saporito on percussion,
Jay Leonhart on bass, and
Dave Ratajczak on drums, who makes up the rhythm with
Oddo. Their presence provides continuity and avoids the problem of the performers having to get used to each other. The way this group works as a cohesive unit is evidence that togetherness produces rewards for both performers and listeners. One of the new guys on the block is guitarist and Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood denizen
Joe Negri, who shows up on five tracks and makes a hearty contribution to the jazz medley of "Too Darn Hot" and "Fever." Another newcomer, tenor saxman
Mark Vinci, offers his rich sound on such cuts as "I'm Gonna Laugh You out of My Life" and "Invitation" and swings on "Let's Call the Whole Thing Off." The 15-piece program is a healthful mix of ballads and faster material, both of which are handled with equal adroitness by
Jamison. She gets the most out of her cool mezzo, and with
Jamison "most" translates into "considerable." Just as on her initial release,
Jamison shows an unswerving commitment to the tunes she has selected for this CD. This is an album for background given the manner in which the singer engages the listener. On "A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square" she sings with a feeling of hopefulness and anticipation as
Negri's guitar helps establish a romantic atmosphere. With this second fine outing,
Jamison is entitled to put another notch in her performing gun handle. ~ Dave Nathan