This set is a change of pace for singer
Banu Gibson, who is usually heard with her New Orleans Hot Jazz Band. Instead, she is accompanied by a quartet comprised of guitarist
Bucky Pizzarelli, her regular pianist
David Boeddinghaus, bassist
Bill Huntington, and drummer
Jake Hanna, with occasional appearances by trumpeters
Connie Jones or
Jon-Erik Kellso and
Brian Ogilvie on tenor and clarinet. Also a bit different is the repertoire, which, instead of being from the 1920s and '30s, dates primarily from the late '30s and 1940s. What is the same as in the past is the consistent high quality of
Gibson's vocals and her enthusiasm and sensitivity for the music. Among the highlights are "I Don't Know Enough About You," "Memphis in June," "Put the Blame on Mame," "There's a Lull in My Life," and "There Will Never Be Another You." ~ Scott Yanow