Sandy Dennison: Jazzed!

While the songs and performances are all good ones, there is a somewhat stale patina of yesteryear on this album. At least half of the dozen tunes are already well-recorded and, perhaps, in need of temporary retirement from the Great American Songbook, including Lerner & Loewe's "On the Street Where You Live," Pablo Ruiz's "Sway" and Van Heusen/Burke's "Like Someone in Love."

There are a few surprises. Cleo Laine/Johnny Dankworth's "Primrose Color Blue" is provided as is a rather obscure Billy Strayhorn song, "You're the One." The up-tempo "Ooh, Whatcha' Doin' to Me," from the pens of Fields and Rogers, gives a nice lift to the album.

After a self-produced Ellington album in 2003, Dennison does provide a spirited performance on her second album and, as was usually the case during the era of pop singers with jazz influences, comes with a group of talented musicians who enhance her vocals with insinuating solos and solid support. Included in this group are pianist/arranger Vincent Frates and saxophonist David Evans.

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