Rebecca Kilgore - Make Someone Happy (2005)

One of the great swing singers of the early 21st century, Rebecca Kilgore again pays tribute in this second volume to one of the great swing singers of the 20th century, Maxine Sullivan. Like Sullivan (one of her main influences), Kilgore gives joy to each word she sings and her choice of notes is impeccable, often improving a song through subtlety. Usually heard these days with the guitar backing of Eddie Erickson, it is a special treat to hear her on Make Someone Happy joined by clarinetist Bobby Gordon, pianist Chris Dawson, and drummer Hal Smith. Sullivan always picked good songs to sing so this is an enjoyable outing with the 17 tunes including standards and a few rarities ("Good Morning, Life," "My Very Good Friend, The Milkman," "Too Late Now") along with Sullivan's trademark "Loch Lomond." Kilgore is in top form, the all-star musicians all have their moments to shine and the results are quite fun.