Signature
Over the past few years,Ann Hampton Callawayhas evolved from a top cabaret singer (e.g.,Sibling Revelry, her brilliant collaboration with sisterLiz Callaway) into an ever-improving jazz one. As she got over her eager-puppy­like tendency to overdo it (her scatting was oftenjusttoo much), this wonderful album shows she's finally learned that simplicity is the hardest trick to master, but also the most rewarding. Backed by the likes of Wynton Marsalis, Kenny Baron, Frank Wess, and Lewis Nash, Callaway goes over a series of standards associated with Sarah Vaughan, Billie Holiday, Tony Bennett, Nat King Cole, and, of course, Ella Fitzgerald (Callaway once made an album titledTo Ella with Love). Despite such a tricky endeavor, Callaway puts her stamp on these songs. A newfound velvety smoothness and casual sense of ease to her voice are both enchanting. Not only isSignatureCallaway's finest achievement yet, it's also one of the year's best jazz vocal records.--Elisabeth Vincentelli