Barbara Montgomery - Barbara Montgomery (2004)

Like Chet Baker, Barbara Montgomery proves that a singer doesn't have to have a massive voice in order to be expressive. This isn't to say that the Philadelphia-based artist is in a class with Baker, but like him, Montgomery seemingly realizes that you can get your points across convincingly if you choose your notes wisely. On this little-known but decent effort, Montgomery draws on such 1950s "cool" influences as Chris Connor and Julie London and goes for a sultry, noir-ish ambiance that serves her well on the standards "Angel Eyes" and "Love for Sale" and the Brazilian songs "Triste" and "Corcovado." Although slow and medium tempos are dominant, Montgomery successfully switches to a faster speed for John Coltrane's "Giant Steps." This pleasant, if limited, CD indicated that Montgomery deserved to be better known outside of Philly. ~Alex Henderson