Melissa Walker's debut recording as a leader is impressive for a number of reasons. Gifted with a deeply expressive voice, and a terrific supporting cast of musicians, including trumpeter and flugelhornist
Terell Stafford (her husband), saxophonist
Gary Bartz, pianist
George Colligan, guitarist
Paul Bollenback, bassist James King, drummer
Clarence Penn, and percussionist
Steve Kroon,
Walker finds fresh approaches to several very familiar songs. "I'm a Fool to Want You" finds it groove immediately with her sensitive vocal over a hip rhythm section, accented by
Bartz's powerful alto sax solo.
Colligan's whispering piano provides the perfect accompaniment for her gorgeous vocal to "A Time for Love."
Penn's light, swinging brushes,
Stafford's darting muted trumpet, and
Bollenback's quick runs all assist
Walker in her swinging rendition of "What a Little Moonlight Can Do."
Bartz's soprano sax is a highlight of her waltz treatment of
Cole Porter's oddball "Miss Otis Regrets," which
Walker sings very effectively. Her gospel background is evident in her inspired original, "Love Is." This is a brilliant start for a very promising singer. ~ Ken Dryden