It seems as if each major city has its great jazz singers. Kansas City in the 1990s is blessed with at least three:
Kevin Mahogany,
Karrin Allyson and the least-known,
Angela Hagenbach. On her debut CD, Hagenbach (who has an immediately appealing voice) goes out of her way to show off her versatility. Although all 13 songs she interprets are standards, the treatments are sometimes unusual. To name a few examples, "Tenderly" is mostly taken doubletime, "Lazy Afternoon" is made funky, "'Round Midnight" becomes a duet with bassist Bob Bowman, a sensitive but not predictable "Lush Life" finds
Hagenbach just backed by Joe Cartwright's piano and two numbers feature her singing in Portuguese. There are other highlights (particularly the excellent solos of Kim Park on tenor, alto and flute) but the main quality that sticks in one's mind after hearing this recording is an appreciation of
Angela Hagenbach's willingness to take chances. This is a strong beginning to what should be a very productive career. ~ Scott Yanow