Back in 1939,
Alice Babs
as a 15-year-old became Sweden's most popular
swing
/
jazz
singer. Sixty-two years later, she was semi-retired but still in excellent voice for this CD.
Babs
' voice is still quite steady and recognizable throughout this swinging set. Joined by pianist/arranger
Nils Lindberg
's
Third Saxes Galore
(an octet with five saxophonists),
is in fine form on such songs as
"I Didn't Know What Time It Was,"
"Portrait of Django,"
"Takin' a Chance on Love,"
"I Could Write a Book,"
and
"Thank You for Everything"
(a vocalized version of
Billy Strayhorn
"Lotus Blossom"
). This CD is a surprise success, and an excellent later statement from a legendary European singer. ~ Scott Yanow