"From the very beginning the disc invigerates you from within. I love the depth and mystic in all her music. I first fell in love with her sounds with Standards in Gray, her first album. This CD is all the first one and more. If you love jazz you will love this sound. It brings me back to the days when jazz florished and there was no compromising the core sound. Her band offers enjoyment for keenest ears. Don't take it from me lisiten to it yourself."
Refreshing
Kenneth James Michael MacLean | Ann Arbor, MI USA | 12/27/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This obscure recording came out in 1996, but it has gotten its share of time on my player ever since. The band on this recording is really together, the first 3 cuts are real swingers and the rest nice ballads. Kellye Gray's voice sounds more like a man's, but it is very emotive and passionate. The first cut just rips into Billie's Bounce, and gets you moving right away. 'Small Day Tomorrow' is a very clever tune that gets you feeling good. Her ballad singing gets a little tiring at the end, as her voice doesn't have the depth and subtlety to evoke continuous listening interest, at least to me. Nevertheless, this CD has a very original sound, and none of the tunes are throwaway's. There seems to be an underlying current of passion and meaning to all of the tracks.
This is a refreshing date that continues to hold my interest on each playing."
Perfect Jazz Music
Jill Jensen | Sturevant, WI USA | 10/16/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"When I first heard 'Small Day Tomorrow' on my car radio, I had to pull over, park and rejoice in the stunning music.
I immediately ordered the CD. My husband Jack Grassel and I are career jazz musicians (as guitarist and vocalist respectively). We feel that 'Tomato Kiss' is as perfect as jazz music can be. The band is remarkable. Each musician sounds unique - not like any other; brilliant virtuoso performances. The mix is superb. We bought a back up CD in case we wear this one out. It stands up to hundreds of repeated listenings. I'ts my favorite fun, singalong warm up. Hey, Kellye, where are you now and what's next?"
Cream of the crop
Nancie S. Austin | Wimberley, Texas United States | 02/14/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If you love jazz, jazz singers then you must own this CD. Kellye Gray is the finest jazz singer I have heard since Billie Holiday and Ella. Her gift is truly amazing. She should be on the cover of every jazz publication to let the world know of her extreme talent. Buy this one today."
Why doesn't she do more .......
pekak62 | Melbourne Australia | 11/30/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"tomato kiss is an amazing 2nd album from Kellye Gray. You will never hear a better rendition of the Bacharach/David classic "a house is not a home". The music is full of joy and beautifully sung - with such conviction that makes you believe every word she sings. "small day tomorrow" and "a house is not a home" are certainly testimony to artistry that is so rare today.This is a happy album, quite unlike Kellye's first outing - one of my still absolute favourites - "Shades of Gray". I love both albums - both are equally good if different.If you love "tomato kiss" you must get "Shades of Gray" and hear the best ever rendition of "The Island". Simply no contest.Now, if only we could entice Ms Gray back into the recording studio ......."