Kathy Ingraham: Everlasting Cool

If you have a lovely mezzo-soprano voice, lots of chops, a feel for selling a song, a talent for storytelling, and some sense of why tradition is what it is, you end up with Kathy Ingraham. Ms. Ingraham is also not afraid of the big no-no, singing standards (and, lo and behold, their verses too), although she has been known to write her own material too. Whatever the case, she is a treat to listen to and, with a nonpareil band as the vehicle, there is an awful lot to like in this, her fourth recording (3 CDs, 1 digital). One of the things to like is the ubiquitous Randy Brecker, who plays on three tracks and makes every note count, muted or open.

There is something awfully fetching about a clarinet opening in the chalumeau register, more than ably executed by Evan Christopher, as Ingraham and Christopher gradually ascend on "Why Don't You Do Right" only to fade out. "Angel Eyes" is one of those classic noir tunes first recorded by Herb Jeffries in 1947. Ingraham does a great job setting the mood, and the flugelhorn solo by Brecker is alone worth the ride. Much the same could be said about "Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye," a standard that has been recorded by every major jazz artist on the planet. Once again, Brecker simply shines, and Ingraham can make it soulful without being sentimental. Everyone has a favorite version—Karrin Allyson comes to mind. Ingraham's is quite different, but just as compelling in its way. "Ceyx and Alcyone" is a title drawn from Greek mythology, and an original. Do the back up singers present have anything to do with a chorus? Something to think about.

Ingraham is one of those singers who brings a degree of erudition to her art. It is pleasant to think that, at a time when a liberal education is under relentless economic pressure, someone could bring the fruits of it to such a worthy musical endeavor. A very compelling performance by all involved.

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