Sheila Jordan

Although she shows her age in spots, Sheila Jordan in 2002 was still a very creative jazz singer. She has always made the most of her voice, taking chances while remaining a little tied to the bebop tradition. She reunites with her old friend pianist Steve Kuhn, welcomes trumpeter Tom Harrell to four of the 13 selections, and explores such songs as a wistful "Autumn in New York," "On a Slow Boat to China," a witty version of "Hello Young Lovers," "If I Should Love You," and some lesser-known material. Her scatting remains quite inventive and sometimes her wordless vocals sound like an American Indian folk song. Although not quite as essential as her work of a decade earlier, this is a worthwhile effort full of subtle surprises and Sheila Jordan's charm. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide