On her debut as a leader for Arbors, singer
Hanna Richardson performs a set of high-quality swing songs; is joined by a superior group consisting of one or two guitars, bassist Phil Flanigan, and the quiet drumming of Mike Melito (with violinist
Johnny Frigo guesting on four numbers); and shows that she swings well and has a pleasingly understated delivery. However, in listening to this good-natured set, one is constantly reminded of better and more memorable versions of these tunes.
Hanna Richardson's voice is just average with a small range both in notes and in expressiveness, hinting at times of
Maxine Sullivan and
Rebecca Kilgore while clearly not being the same league with either. The overall results are certainly listenable, but not too essential. ~ Scott Yanow