Something Cool

Albenrezension

When Something Cool was released in 1979 by Candid, Carol Sloane hadn't released a record in America for 15 years. Always underrated, the singer had been just plain invisible, which was really too bad because her clear, cool voice should have been widely available to vocal jazz fans. Fortunately, this record stirred up interest in Sloane and, after a slight dip in the mid-'80s, she has been recording steadily since. This record is an easygoing, swinging record that features Sloane singing with a small and sympathetic combo, with the always great George Mraz on bass. The tunes she sings are a mix of standards like "Can't We Be Friends" and "Cotton Tail," and lesser-known songs like Jimmy Rowles and Johnny Mercer's "Baby, Don't You Quit Now" and Ellington's "Tomorrow Mountain." The highlights of this very enjoyable disc are her slyly phrased version of Cole Porter's obscure "You're a Bad Influence on Me" and the title track, which is best known as done by June Christy. Sloane gives her a run for the money by cutting the tempo and upping the emotional stakes. This is a fine comeback record by a wonderful singer. Fans of vocal jazz should seek it out, especially if they haven't heard of Carol Sloane, as this is a nice introduction to what she can do.