Ann Richards, an excellent singer who was married to
Stan Kenton for a few years, only recorded a few solo albums before slipping away into obscurity.
Ann, Man! is her most intimate date, a quartet set with trumpeter
Jack Sheldon, guitarist
Barney Kessel, bassist
Red Callender, and drummer
Larry Bunker. Four of the songs (including "There's a Lull in My Life" and "You Go to My Head") are duets with
Kessel.
Richards shows off her versatility and sensitivity on this well-rounded set, swinging lightly and singing with restrained emotions. It is a pity that she did not have a prosperous career, for the talent was definitely there. ~ Scott Yanow