Portuguese singer
Maria Anadon's refreshing take on the Great American Songbook gives each of these standards new life after decades of countless recorded versions in more traditional settings. Her percussive scatting and rich alto voice highlight "Old Devil Moon," while
Anat Cohen's playful clarinet decorates
Anadon's dramatic "Comes Love." The brisk setting of
Oliver Nelson's "Stolen Moments" recasts this timeless early-'60s blues into a new light, also featuring a potent
Cohen tenor sax solo. If
Anadon has one handicap, it is her occasional difficulty clearly enunciating English lyrics in up-tempo numbers like "Confirmation" and the awkward handling of "Wouldn't It Be Loverly?" where she seems to be trying to correct its title. The rhythm section is outstanding, anchored by veteran drummer and jazz educator
Sherrie Maricle (longtime leader of Diva), bassist Noriko Ueda, and pianist
Tomoko Ohno.
Maria Anadon has made a major statement with her debut recording for the North American jazz audience. ~ Ken Dryden