In too many fields of music the focus is upon young up-and-coming performers, but given the opportunity, seasoned
jazz
fans will likely prefer to listen to a veteran vocalist like
Sandi Shoemake
. Her rich voice and superb diction make one wish that she recorded more frequently. Backed by an excellent band with delightful arrangements by her husband, vibraphonist
Charlie Shoemake
(who also plays piano in spots), she primarily chose songs that were written for Broadway or Hollywood, few of which seem to be done with any regularity by her contemporaries. She masters the sly humor within
"A Rainy Night in Rio,"
a perky
bossa nova
dating from the 1940s that showcases flutist
Sam Most
and trombonist
Andy Martin
.
Shoemake
savors the deliberate settings of neglected
ballads
like
Rodgers & Hart
's
"Nobody's Heart"
and
Frank Loesser
"Can't Get Out of This Mood."
She also offers swinging takes of
"I Only Have Eyes for You"
"By Myself"
(the latter featuring bassist
Bob Maize
in one of his last recordings prior to his death in 2004). Guitarist
Bruce Forman
, bassist
Luther Hughes
, and drummer
Paul Kreibich
round out the strong supporting cast on this rewarding CD. ~ Ken Dryden