Karrin Allyson: Daydream

Karrin Allyson has evolved into one of the most exciting young singers in the jazz world. All of the Kansas City resident's Concord recordings have been strong, and her artistic winning streak continues with Daydream. This excellent CD reminds us that Allyson isn't just a pop singer with some jazz influence—she's a improvising, hard swinging jazzer who can blow with the spontaneity of a saxophonist. And if you doubt it, just check out how passionately and freely she swings on everything from Ellington's "Day Dream" to "Like Someone In Love" to Charlie Parker's "Donna Lee" (which she combines with "Indiana" in a medley). Bossa nova has been one of the frisky singer's strong points; this time, she turns her attention to the Jobim songs "Corcovado" and "So Danco Samba" with fine results. Some of the best jazz singers of the 1990s—Kitty Margolis, Carla White, Roseanna Vitro, Claire Martin, Judy Niemack, among others—haven't been hyped to death. This is also true of Allyson, who is jazz singing personified.

Reprinted with the permission of Myrna Daniels and L.A. Jazz Scene , the largest jazz publication in Southern California.