As a session player, Missy Hasin has demonstrated that she's capable of handling everything from alternative rock to hip-hop. But on her on own album, How My Heart Sings!, it is straight-ahead acoustic jazz that prevails. This excellent CD (which guitarist John Anello, Jr. produced for his own Cexton Records) made it clear that the Southern California cellist wasn't simply interested in showing off her chops; whether going for hard bop on "Softly, As In a Morning Sunrise" and "Let's Do It (Let's Fall In Love)" or favoring a more introspective post-bop approach on "Beautiful Maria of My Soul," Wayne Shorter's "Ana Maria" and the title song, Hasin comes across as a very sensitive and thoughtful storyteller. In fact, her lyricism on "Nepenthe" and the haunting "Fall From Grace" (both of which underscore her classical training) is truly gorgeous. Well worth obtaining, How My Heart Sings unites Hasin with guitarist Ed Kusby (her husband since 1985), vibist John Magnussen and drummer Chuck Flores. ~ Alex Henderson, All Music Guide
Frank Garcia (Photography), Paul Freeman (Mixing), Rowanne Mark (Vocals), John Anello, Jr. (Producer), Paul Freeman (Mastering), Eddie Kusby (Chromatic Harmonica), Eddie Kusby (Guitar), David Knight (Engineer), Melissa "Missy" Hasin (Cello), John Magnussen (Vibraphone), Chuck Flores (Drums)
