Diane Linscott: You Must Believe In Spring

Although Duncan Lamont's songs may not yet be considered part of the Great American Songbook, I'm sure artists who thrive on standards will be quite forgiving. So too of the Legrand/Demy/Bergmans title song (which really is a standard/popular hit, judging by the artists ranging from Bill Evans and Tony Bennett to Sylvia Syms who've recorded it). However, absent these nouveau yet delightful few items, this is an album of standards, some of which may be so dated ("Fascinating Rhythm," "Smile") that at first glance it would be off-putting to find this album in a rack in a record store. Fear not.

Some, too, may think "oh, this is supper-club music" and imagine tapping a toe now and then during its play. Not so. To hear this album is to dance. Also to sit in one's chair and think about ones we treasure with all our heart. Linscott's ability to swing and convincingly convey a meaningful personal emotion in each tune make each selection fresh.

It doesn't hurt that her band is first-rate. Their arrangements are understated and show off the emotion of each song with just enough improvisational action to satisfy jazz lovers and lyric lovers alike.

This is an album dedicated to Linscott's very best friend. The peculiar (emotionally up-down-up-down) playlist makes sense after inspection of the touching, simple dedication on the inside of the jewel box, and the clarity with which Linscott articulates each lyric she's chosen.

Visit Diane Linscott on the web. This release is available from CD Baby.

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