Oh, so very impressive classic mainstream-jazz vocals here from Dublin jazz singer Stella Bass. Any album that begins with Stephen Sondheim's 'Being Alive' performed down the years by among many others Cleo Laine, Barbra Streisand and Cyrille Aimée is all right any day of the week. And the album certainly keeps up the momentum achieved by this tasteful opener throughout. Accompanied sensitively by fine pianist Johnny Taylor and his trio, with Barry Donohue on double bass and Dominic Mullan on drums, album guest spots include appearances by saxist Michael Buckley and flugel player Ronan Dooney, the selections are well-chosen vintage standards ('Old Devil Moon,' 'Pure Imagination,' etc) but the most appealing track against such stiff competition is a song that Stella herself co-wrote - 'Still' - that fits the very grown-up mood perfectly. If you are into singers such as Claire Martin or Honor Heffernan then you will feel right at home.
Out in February. Stella plays Sugar Club in Dublin on 3 Feb and Scott's in Belfast on the 9th
Look for the Silver Lining Spotify album link added on 12 May
Tags: Reviews