One can tell in listening to
Liberty Silver's jazz debut that the singer has come from the world of R&B and pop. Her interpretations are overly mannered and often filled with an excess of vibrato and emotionalism. Her voice is strong but the subtlety of jazz needs to be developed. Also in need of development is
Liberty Silver's repertoire. Most of the songs on her set have been done a countless number of times and such pieces as "Tain't Nobody's Business," "'Round Midnight" and "Fine and Mellow" should have been retired years ago.
Silver never sounds as if she really feels the words; compare her version of "Crazy He Calls Me" with
Abbey Lincoln for a good example.
Liberty Silver has potential but, even with some good concise solos from pianist
Bill King,
Kirk MacDonald on tenor and trumpeter
Kevin Turcotte, there is nothing to distinguish this CD from dozens of others by regional singers.