Dominique Eade - When the Wind was Cool (2006)

Dominique Eade interprets 13 songs from the 1950s on this CD, most of which had been recorded previously by Chris Connor and June Christy. Eade's voice captures the essence of those cool-toned singers, yet she also sounds fairly distinctive. The instrumentation varies from cut to cut with such players as tenor saxophonist Benny Golson, bass clarinetist Bruce Williamson, vibraphonist Steve Nelson, pianist Fred Hersch, guitarist Peter Leitch, and bassist James Genus (featured on "Tea for Two" in a duet with Eade), among others, making strong contributions. Among the highlights are Eade's timeless yet fresh renditions of "Moonray," "Something Cool," "All About Ronnie," "The Wind," and "Lullaby of Birdland"; the appealing singer herself wrote half of the arrangements. Recommended. (by Scott Yanow)