Alexis Cole - You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To (2011)

Alexis Cole, born into a musical family in Queens, New York, began her professional career after obtaining a master's degree from the Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College. She has performed with Slide Hampton, Rufus Reid and Harry Pickens among others, and so far released four CDs on independent labels.
Following her superb debut from the Japanese Venus Records (Someday My Prince Will Come, available on HQCD and vinyl LP), her eagerly awaited second album is something of a coup - she recorded the entire album with the all-star hard bop group One For All! As far as I know, the supergroup that includes Eric Alexander and David Hazeltine has never accompanied a singer for an entire album!
The familar standards are tastefully and intelligently arranged, and Cole's attractive voice and the ability to swing are in full display. Her voice is rich and strong. She has impeccable technique and control, and a confident jazz style that hints an influence from Carmen McRae. And, as expected, the ensemble and solo work of the band is simply phenomenal! A rare album that satisfies fans of vocal jazz and fans of serious hardbop, instrumental jazz!