Irene Kral: Karal Space

Long out of print as an LP (on Catalyst) and at a premium when you can find it, Kral Space has finally come to CD. Thank Collectables (#7160) for this. Accompanied as usual by Alan Broadbent and as a bonus the under recorded Emil Richards on vibes and percussion, this CD, only 37:21 has some great Irene Kral vocals, including Frishberg's Wheelers and Dealers. Vocal fans will also want to know that songs by Fran Landesman and Bob Dorough are also represented. What a joy.

For those not that familiar with Kral, she's Roy Kral's sister from Jackie & Roy. Irene sang with Maynard Ferguson for a short time and made a great LP called "The Band & I" with Herb Pomeroy (UA 4016 and well worth searching the LP bins for). Two of Irene's vocals were on Clint Eastwood's "Bridges of Madison County" sound track.

Breast cancer cut short the talented vocalist's life at 46 in 1978. Always thought of as a "vocalist's vocalist". If you have never heard Ms. Kral you owe it to yourself to start with this CD which is a fine example of her warm and intimate ballad style.