Dakota Staton - Isn't This a Lovely Day (1995)

A large improvement over her previous set, this outing by veteran singer Dakota Staton finds her in excellent form. The repertoire is mostly comprised of veteran standards, highlighted by "Isn't This a Lovely Day," "Cold Cold Feeling," "The Masquerade Is Over" and a medley of "I'll Close My Eyes" and "Close Your Eyes." Staton uses her vibrato more sparingly than on her previous (and weaker) Muse release Darling Please Save Your Love for Me, and there is much more variety in these arrangements. Assisted by either Bross Townsend or Norman Simons on piano and a fine rhythm section, Staton is also joined on various tracks by Rob Paparozzi's harmonica, saxophonist Peter Loeb and guitarist George Naha. Recommended.


Tracks:

01. Isn't This a Lovely Day (3:19)
02. I Cover the Waterfront (6:53)
03. Gee Baby, Ain't I Good to You (2:32)
04. Cold Cold Feeling (4:54)
05. My Lean Baby (2:59)
06. If He Walked into My Life (3:55)
07. Medley: I'll Close My Eyes/Close Your Eyes (3:33)
08. The Masquerade Is Over (8:42)
09. Ain't No Use (5:33)

Personnel:

Dakota Staton - vocals
Norman Simmons (#1,2,5,7,8), Bross Townsend (#3,4,6,9) - piano
Rob Paparozzi - harmonica
Michael Carvin - drums
Tony Scheer - bass
Peter Loeb - saxophone
George Naha - guitar