Invitation to an Escapade: Information from Answers.com Mobile

Invitation to an Escapade

Artist: Stephanie Nakasian
Rating:
Release Date: February 13, 2001
Genre: Vocal Music

Review

Of Armenian descent, vocalist Stephanie Nakasian first gained prominence in the mid-'80s when she hooked up with vocalese master Jon Hendricks. Since then, she appeared in a number of venues including TV slots and clubs. This is a no-frills performance. Nakasian sings straight from the heart with rapt attention to the lyrics that makes her one of the top storytellers on the contemporary scene. At the same time, Nakasian often comes across as a torch singer in a nightclub scene in one of those film noir movies from the 1940s. For her fourth album, she has selected an agenda of tunes which include familiar classic standards, material that's not so well-known, and new works. On some cuts, she includes a short narrative, setting the scene for the song she is about to sing as on "No Moon at All." This 1949 ditty made popular by Nat King Cole is a good example of the subdued swing found on this CD. It also allows Bob Hallahan to show off on piano as he quotes from a couple of popular standards during a longish solo. Husband, arranger, and vibes player Hod O'Brien joins in on vocals for Argentina composer Pepe Gonzales' "Just for You." It's also an occasion for some scatting and a strong guitar solo by Steve Brown. Showing a little more than normal versatility, the usually hauntingly played "Invitation" is done medium tempo to a Caribbean beat. The 1941 hit for the Ink Spots, "Someone's Rocking My Dreamboat," is given a fresh, wide-eyed ingénue treatment. This CD is by no means a ground-breaking, earth-shattering event. But it is an hour-plus of pleasant, relaxing vocalizing by a consummate professional, one of the top members of her trade and backed by a solid group of sidemen. Recommended. ~ Dave Nathan, Rovi

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