Kevin Mahogany - You Got What It Takes (1995)

Kevin Mahogany's third and final Enja recording (before moving on to Warner Bros.) was his finest and a very definitive set. More jazz-oriented than his first Warner Bros. set, this program matches Mahogany's attractive voice with pianist James Williams (who contributed the tune "Old Times Sake"), bassist Michael Formanek, drummer Victor Lewis and guest tenor Benny Golson. Singer Jeanie Bryson helps out on the opening "Baby You Got What It Takes," making one wish that the two vocalists would team up more often. Other highlights include Quincy Jones' classic "Stockholm Sweetnin'," "Route 66" (which has some creative scatting by Mahogany), the brief "Yardbird Suite" and "BG's Groove." Throughout this date, Kevin Mahogany (formerly a saxophonist who obviously knows music well) shows just how strong a jazz singer he can be. Highly recommended. ~Scott Yanow