Shaynee Rainbolt - At Home (2006)

With a "little big band accompanying her comfortable program of favorite standards from the Great American Songbook, Shaynee Rainbolt reminds us why vocal expression remains so near and dear. With every tale of adventure, she takes her audience on a trip. Rainbolt's convincing interpretations combine a warm and personal approach with immaculate vocal authority. She likes to complement her lyrical stories with wordless vocal lines that interact with her sidemen as an instrumental voice. Hence, vocalist and accompaniment synchronize on all levels.

With guitarist Gene Bertoncini, she offers a convincing interpretation of "Moonglow. Michel Legrand's "The Summer Knows pairs the two artists in a sensitive duet that employs the emotional impact of acoustic classical guitar along with her storytelling charm. Dave Frishberg's "Blizzard of Lies comes complete with all the humor that the composer intended. "Mink Schmink also includes a special brand of humor, sent home by Rainbolt with hugs and kisses. Piano, bass, drums and a stellar trumpet voice give the singer a big assist.

Latin jazz comes to the fore on "In These Shoes, which she sings in both English and Spanish. The band fulfills its promise of adventure with this arrangement, and Rainbolt comes up with a winner. She's At Home with vocal jazz from many different perspectives. Deeply felt blues, comfortable swing, searing ballads, and a fun-loving playfulness give Rainbolt's newest album a fresh outlook that works wonders for the soul.