Irene Kral

Recorded just 11 months before her death, this live set (released for the first time on this 1995 CD) is practically the only Irene Kral recording available domestically. Recorded at Half Moon Bay, CA, the relaxed date finds Kral accompanied by her favorite pianist, Alan Broadbent (featured on an instrumental version of "I Love You"), bassist Frank De La Rosa, and drummer Benny Barth. Although not reaching the emotional heights of her classic studio albums for Catalyst and Choice, Kral's performance does have some magic, particularly the versions of Bob Dorough's "Small Day Tomorrow," "Gentle Rain," "You Are There," and especially "Never Let Me Go." ~ Scott Yanow, Rovi