Jackie Ryan, vocals; Amina Figarova, Jon Mayer, Leonard Thomson, piano; Ruth Davies, Darek Oles, John Wiitala, bass; Omar Clay, Jason Lewis, Roy McCurdy, drums; Steve Erquiaga, Barry Zweig, guitar; Yutaka Yokokura, strings; Bart Plateau, flute; Allen Smith, trumpet; Ernie Watts, saxophone; Toots Theilemans, harmonica.
Jackie Ryan seems to have it all going for her on this carefully crafted CD. A singer of immense talent, Ms Ryan embodies all that is good in a Jazz singer, her crystal clear voice, elegant phrasing, sense of rhythm, style and timing are a sheer delight. Singing Italian in "Estate", with the help of Toots Theilemans on harmonica; and Portugese on Jobim's "Anos Dourados", this multi lingual singer does not put a foot wrong. Three session groups back her, and the arrangements are sensitive and well done to suit a shining talent. A quality CD this one.
by Ferdinand Maylin