A winner. A sexy and swining jazz vocal album!
Loren | 12/06/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Cheryl Bentyne, a member of the vocal group, Manhattan Transfer, has released her second solo album, entitled "Talk Of The Town." Although her first solo effort (1992's "Something Cool") was released 10 years ago, little has changed in this talented singer's voice. Backed a solid jazz ensemble, (Kenny Barron, John Patittuci, Lewis Nash, David "Fathead" Newman, Corey Allen, Chuck Mangione.) Bentyne's diamond clear soprano rips through such songs as Annie Ross's vocalese classic, "Farmer's Market" and Cole Porter's, "Get Out of Town." She brilliantly takes the traditional ballad "Love Me Or Leave Me," gently swings it, giving it a cool and sexy attitude. Listen to her reading of "They Can't Take That Away From Me" and her interpretation of the line "the way you hold your knife." Other singers offer the lyric as just a hazy memory, but Bentyne infuses it with the sensuality of a woman who finds everything her partner does a turn-on. Her interpretation of ballads is just as impressive - she gives sensitive and understated readings to such timeless evergreens as Ray Noble's "The Very Thought Of You" (featuring Newman on Sax) and Bobby Troup's "Meaning of the Blues" (the latter backed only by Kenny Barron's fine piano playing). In fact the entire CD is a gem! Other highlights are ballads "Still Good Friends" (written by Bentyne and her husband, album producer Corey Allen) and "Those Foolish Things." A Latin clime surrounds "It Might As Well Be Spring," (courtesy of Allen on piano and Don Alias on percussion) and two members of "Take 6" offer tight backup harmony on a rousing "Girl Talk."This album is produced by King Records, a label in Japan. However, the talent involved with this fine CD is worth the import price."
FINALLY..........another magical treat from Ms. Bentyne!
12/23/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Having been an ardent fan of Ms. Bentyne ever since I happened upon the long out-of-print album "Something Cool" from 1992, I jumped to get this album when it became available. And I must say, Ms. Bentyne fulfills every wish. Whereas noone should contest that the voice is one of the most musical in contemporary music, with this album she has decided to do evergreens by for instance Cole Porter and Richard Rodgers. Sit back, put your feet up and listen to this timeless album - it is BOUND to put you in a great mood!"
Smooth Vocalist!
Loren | 08/28/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I've been a Manhattan Transfer fan for years and have always enjoyed Cheryl's beautiful voice. On this CD, she goes it alone and proves once and for all that she is one of best interpreters of the jazz standard. "The Meaning of The Blues," "It Might As Well Be Spring" and "You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To" are just a few of the highlights. Worth adding to your vocal jazz collection. This CD will be available in the states on the Telarc label on January 27, 2004. But rumor has it that it might not be exactly the same as this Japanese release."
