Criss Cross Jazz 1362 CD

Dee Daniels

State Of The Art

State Of The Art is not only singer Dee Daniels' debut leader date for Criss Cross, but the label's first-ever release by a vocalist after three decades and hundreds of recordings by jazz' best and brightest.

It's a worthy addition -- the Seattle-born vocalist, who sang two numbers on Wycliffe Gordon's recent Criss Cross date The Intimate Ellington (Criss 1353 CD), brings her richly textured multi-octave voice, instrumentally-flexible phrasing, and keen interpretative abilities to a program comprising 12 gems from various corners of the American Songbook.

Enhancing the swinging, soulful, old-master flavor and 21st century feel are tenor saxophonist Eric Alexander, who contributes apropos testifying solos and obligatos throughout, and a synchronously grooving rhythm section with pianist Cyrus Chestnut, bassist Paul Beaudry, and drummer Alvester Garnett.