Angel Eyes
Barbara Knight

Vocalist Barbara Knight graced the "Uniquely Cleveland" program delivered by the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra last month with panache, pomp and circumstance. The jazz singer regularly delivers for the CJO (and in her own shows) with a warm, silky and inviting vocal delivery that has earned high praise by critics and fans alike. Her 14-tune set of "all-time favorites" called Angel Eyes might be a couple years old now, but it may have the most clarity of purpose for any local jazz vocal release to date.

Accompanied by an all-star cast that includes Russell Schmidt (piano), Jack Schantz (flugelhorn), Dave Morgan (bass), Jim Rupp (drums), and guests Howie Smith (saxophones) and Ron Busch (vibraphone), Knight's loving, mid-range voice radiates passion and exudes the glow usually reserved for the orange embers of a late autumn fire. From the uptempo rendition of "You Go To My Head" (which spotlights solo pizzaz by Schantz) to unique renditions of "Old Devil Moon," "Spring Is Here" and the Johnny Mercer/ Hoagy Carmichael dream "Skylark," there's something to fit every mood. Knight's disc has it all: tight arrangements, a brilliant jazz songbook set list, session musician pedigree and a sweet, alluring (if not caramely) voice that begs for repeated spins.

Knight is a dream come true for jazz vocal aficionados and accessible enough to please first-timers as well. Either way, she'll win you over in no time.

Hear Knight and jazz pianist Rock Wehrmann at Breckenridge, 36855 Ridge Rd., Willoughby performing the show Dynamic Duos: Composer/Lyricists from The American Songbook this Tuesday, May 12 at 7:30 PM. Learn more at http://www.BarbaraKnight.net and listen to samples from Angel Eyes by clicking here.

From Cool Cleveland Managing Editor Peter Chakerian peterATcoolcleveland.com

Wanna get reviewed? Send your band's CD (less than 1 year old) to: Cool Cleveland, 14837 Detroit Avenue, #105, Lakewood, OH 44107

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