Janis Siegel: I Wish You Love

Having rediscovered her Moxie, the original lady of Manhattan Transfer has opted to take another shot at solo stuff. And though some of it harkens back to her ensemble work, Siegel uses the opportunity to explore a great deal of other avenues. From a coo through Goffin and King’s "Go Away Little Boy" to an absolutely poppin’ chant-along of "I Want You To Be My Baby," Siegel explores a variety of rhythms and moods. She has the competent assistance of pianist Cedar Walton, and occassional assistance from trumpeter Tom Herrell and sax master David "Fathead" Newman. Though her re-reading of "Guess Who I Saw Today" may have neither the suspicious build nor the vocal depth of Nancy Wilson’s signature version, "Don’t Go to Strangers" is full of soulful attraction. "The Late Late Show" keeps the set hopping and Siegel’s pairing of "Mr. Sandman" and "Dream a Little Dream of Me" is both clever and pretty, as is much of this well-produced collection.

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