It seems as if most singers eventually get around to recording a standards album.
Kevyn Lettau has mostly recorded Brazilian pop/jazz throughout her career, and
Bye Bye Blackbird is not a radical break from her past. The repertoire is primarily comprised of vintage pieces including "I've Got You Under My Skin" (who hasn't recorded that song?),
Duke Ellington's "Love You Madly" (the most swinging performance), "It's Delovely," and "Let's Fall in Love." The backing provided by Russell Ferrante includes a tasteful string section and a rhythm section of usually light and moderately funky rhythms. If one substituted pop-ish originals for the warhorses, it would sound like a conventional
Kevyn Lettau CD. But although few chances are taken,
Lettau does have a fetching voice and she is always pleasant to hear. Overall this is a nice safe middle-of-the-road pop/jazz/Brazilian set. ~ Scott Yanow