Jackie Allen - Which

Jackie Allen is a fine jazz singer from Chicago with an appealing voice, a solid sense of swing, and the ability to caress a melody. On this 1999 recording, she is joined by six of Los Angeles' top bop-based musicians: pianist Bill Cunliffe (who arranged all but one selection), Red Holloway on tenor, altoist Gary Foster, trombonist Bruce Paulson, bassist Jim Hughart, and drummer Roy McCurdy.

Allen mostly sticks to standards, making such songs as "Too Hot for Words," "Lost in the Stars," "Dearly Beloved," and "It's Bad for Me" sound quite personal. She also contributes "In You Go" and "Admit It," and revives a few obscurities (including Cole Porter's "Which" and "The Last Dance"). An excellent outing. ~Scott Yanow