RE-MASTERING by RAY STAFF at AIR MASTERING, LYNDHURST HALL, LONDON.

Stacey Kent is back, with her regular combo, for an engaging tribute to Richard Rodgers. In addition to routinely covered songs like “It Never Entered My Mind” and “Bewitched,” the Britain-based vocalist looks to the South Pacific book and comes up with two items seldom performed in a jazz context — “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair” and “Bali Ha’i.” Happily, these are two of the best cuts; the former, with its burlesque-ish 6/8 middle section, works amazingly well. The sound is strong, highlighting the nicely varied arrangements and the innate charm of Kent’s puckish voice. David R. Adler/ AMG Whether the thirteen songs sung here by Stacey have lyrics by Oscar or Larry Hart, the inescapable fact is that they are all jewels. Stacey’s carefully conceived collection of just some of the Richard Rodgers classics all receive trademark Kent interpretations which the melodies and lyrics deserve. Impeccably delivered – clean and well defined. Rodgers and Hart and Hammerstein would have approved.

Personnel:
Stacey Kent: vocals
Jim Tomlinson: tenor saxophone, flute
Colin Oxley: guitar
David Newton: piano
Simon Thorpe: bass
Jasper Kviberg: drums

Recorded at Curtis Schwartz Studios, Ardingly, England 3rd, 4th July, 7th September 2001 Engineered & mixed by Curtis Schwartz Produced by Jim Tomlinson Recorded at Curtis Schwartz Studios, Ardingly, England 3rd, 4th July, 7th September 2001