Jazz-cabaret chanteuse Ann Hampton Callaway pays tribute to the First Lady of Song in To Ella with Love, a 1996 recording re-released in 1999 as a companion to her small-ensemble album, Easy Living. Here Callaway is supported by a full band anchored by pianist Cyrus Chestnut, bassist Christian McBride, and drummer Lewis Nash, while Wynton Marsalis sits in for two numbers. "How High the Moon" begins in a loping gait before catching fire and including the inevitable scat solo. While Callaway doesn't include any of her own songs among this collection of standards, it's one of her best albums.
By David Horiuchi.
**
For a young, white, contemporary singer to attempt the tunes of the legendary Ella would seem impossible and vaguely insulting and it would be if all she did was attempt but Ann Hampton Callaway succeeds. And Lord how she swings! Turn down the lights, stir up the fire and let the sound wrap around you like a soft, warm blanket. Jazz at its best cuts to the emotions like laser and the Callaway variety burns brighter than any other living singer. You should have this CD. If you don't there is a big hole in your life but you can fill it with a single decision. Buy "To Ella: With Love."
**
Ann Hampton Callaway has a strong reputation as one of the top cabaret singers of the 1990's but, unlike most others in that idiom, she is also a talented jazz singer. Callaway, who has a beautiful voice with a wide range, always swings while giving strong emphasis to the lyrics she is interpreting. Her ambitious and successful Ella Fitzgerald tribute uses on some songs a string section (recorded in Estonia), an American big band, a trio consisting of pianist Cyrus Chestnut, bassist Christian McBride and drummer Lewis Nash and (On "Do Nothin' Till You Hear From Me" and "How High The Moon") guest trumpeter Wynton Marsalis. Although Callaway does not sound that much like Ella, she pays tribute to the First Lady of Song through her repertoire (14 superior standards), phrasing and joyful swing. Highpoints include "A Fine Romance," "But Not For Me," an emotional "Little Girl Blue" and a stomping rendition of "Lady Be Good." This is a highly recommended elease that both serves as a memorial to Ella and as a strong introduction for jazz listeners to Ann Hampton Callaway.
By Scott Yanow. AMG.
**
Ann Hampton Callaway- (Vocals);
Wynton Marsalis- (Trumpet);
Cyrus Chestnut- (Piano);
Christian McBride- (Bass);
Lewis Nash- (Drums).
**
01. Let's Fall In Love (2:48)
02. Do Nothin' Til You Hear From Me (3:54)
03. A Fine Romance (3:39)
04. Embraceable You (5:02)
05. How High The Moon (5:11)
06. But Not For Me (4:28)
07. I'm Beginning To See The Light (3:33)
08. Body and Soul (5:09)
09. That Old Black Magic (3:12)
10. Little Girl Blue (5:42)
11. Lullaby Of Birdland (3:40)
12. Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye (4:51)
13. I Got It Bad (And That Ain't Good) (5:11)
14. Oh, Lady Be Good (3:29)
**
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