Laurie Krauz - Catch Me If You Can (2001)

Laurie Krauz is a bright new jazz singer with a strong and flexible voice, the ability to improvise at all tempos and a sensitive style that pays attention to the meaning of the words she interprets. Although there are a couple instances on this set when she goes a little over the top, she also comes up with consistently inventive ideas including her unusual renditions of "When You're Smiling" and "Some Enchanted Evening," a haunting "Day Dream," and spirited revivals of "Please Don't Do It In Here" and "Sugar In My Bowl." Backed by a swinging rhythm section (including pianist Daryl Kojak who contributed five originals to the date) and joined on three numbers by veteran tenor-saxophonist George Coleman, Laurie Krauz displays a great deal of potential, making one hope that she will have a long and productive career.~ Review by Scott Yanow