Abbe Lane

The Lady in Red pairs Abbe Lane with arranger Sid Ramin, whose orchestrations are as voluptuous as Lane herself. The album oozes sex appeal from every pore, delivered with a confidence and self-awareness that ultimately transcend cheesecake altogether. Lane is no great singer in any conventional sense, but her sheer braggadocio and jazz-inspired phrasing give her a distinct edge over rival pinups like Julie London -- even better, she tackles chauvinist fluff like "Femininity" with good humor and grace. No less important, Ramin's bold, lively arrangements boast a cinematic flair that calls to mind any number of romantic comedy scores, couching Lane's curves like a velvet chaise lounge. ~ Jason Ankeny, All Music Guide