Cassandra Reed - Cassandra Reed (2003)

Cassandra Reed is a singer-songwriter with a voice a little reminiscent of Norah Jones. Even further away from jazz than Jones, Reed's music, released by Concord's popish subsidiary, falls into the contemporary folk music idiom. Her voice is appealing and sometimes soulful, her songs are reasonably catchy, and her lyrics are worthwhile although not overly memorable. Her debut recording as a leader (she had previously recorded background vocals on a few sessions) is pleasant background music that is radio friendly. Trumpeter Wallace Roney makes a cameo appearance on "Color Of Love." © Scott Yanow