Miss Sophie Lee: Tallulah Moon

Lee has steeped herself in the traditional sounds of the Crescent City, where she is making a name for herself by singing the music from the early acoustic days of Dixieland and swing. She goes into "Swing Brother Swing" with confidence and authority, while clarinetist Bruce Brackman, trumpeter Charlie Fardella, and pianist Bart Ramsey do a fine job of setting the groove. They are also the core of the band on most of the tracks. Without a drummer, they are firmly rooted by alternating upright bassists Robert Snow and Tommy Sciple.

The original title track is a picturesque number featuring John Rodli s laidback guitar work; a dedication to Lee's Louisiana roots and the highlight of the record. "A Little Bird Told Me," and "There'll Be Some Changes Made" are given a Cajun touch by bringing in Washboard Chaz Leary to add the familiar washboard scratching that is unique to Louisiana music. The record ends with "I Gotta Right To Sing The Blues," where Glen David Andrews' moaning trombone and St. Louis Slim's blues guitar carry the song out into the back alley, while Lee conjures up images of lost love.

Lee has found her original voice, utilizing a clear, smooth-flowing style of phrasing. She is singer who picked her musicians carefully and wisely for Tallulah Moon, the result being a pleasant mix of jazz songs brought back from obscurity and given a fresh approach, while remaining true to the soul of the music.

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