Most singers who attempt to interpret tunes from the 1920s come across as either nostalgia acts, campy or corny. Banu Gibson is a major exception for she sings creatively within the idiom, her voice is both powerful and versatile, and she swings without "modernizing" or simplifying the style. This CD from her Swing Out label (along with Swing Out 104) is quite definitive for the material is superior (with "Let Yourself Go," "Love Me or Leave Me," an inventive version of "I Got Rhythm" and "Put That Sun Back in the Sky" ...
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Most singers who attempt to interpret tunes from the 1920s come across as either nostalgia acts, campy or corny. Banu Gibson is a major exception for she sings creatively within the idiom, her voice is both powerful and versatile, and she swings without "modernizing" or simplifying the style. This CD from her Swing Out label (along with Swing Out 104) is quite definitive for the material is superior (with "Let Yourself Go," "Love Me or Leave Me," an inventive version of "I Got Rhythm" and "Put That Sun Back in the Sky" being among the highlights), there is lots of room for solos from her "New Orleans Hot Jazz Orchestra" (cornetist Charlie Fardella, trombonist David Sager, pianist David Boeddinghaus, bassist James Singleton and drummer Hal Smith) and there are plenty of heated and exciting ensembles. This release is highly recommended to fans of classic jazz. ~ Scott Yanow, Rovi
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