In the liner notes for her debut album,
Lynda Jamison follows the usual practice of listing everyone she wants to thank for helping get into a recording studio, and the list is lengthy. But the one who did her the biggest favor was
Rosemary Clooney, who introduced her to her
Clooney's longtime musical director,
John Oddo. His arrangements and pianism are what go a long way to making the singer's inaugural effort a success. The program is one of familiar standards, as well as a healthy mixture of tunes by the likes of
Carroll Coates,
Joe Raposo (who did Sesame Street's music), and Charles DeForest of Flower Song fame. Included is a song few vocalists take on because the timing and phrasing have to be perfect to pull it off. The Alex Wilder/
Loonis McGlohon "Blackberry Winter" seems to be the province of those singers who are blessed with a special affinity for storytelling, such as
Teddi King and
Joyce Breach. This is also enhanced by a lyrical trumpet solo by New York cabaret performers' favorite trumpet player,
Glenn Drewes. No matter which item on the musical agenda she is dealing with,
Jamison treats each with regard and respect. While there is no vestige of over-emoting, such as swoops and shouts or breathless whispering, it's clear that each of these tunes was selected because they mean something special to
Jamison. This attachment is clear on such songs as "Tenderly," which features superb guitar accompaniment by Frank Vento. The singer is both coy and sexy (whatever works) on "Daddy," with
Drewes adding a jazzy trumpet. This is a fine kickoff to what hopefully will be a full and constant recording career. Recommended. ~ Dave Nathan