Recorded in front of an audience for Radio Canada Alex shows us once again she is without a doubt one of the best interpreters of material dating back to the early roots of jazz. She sings with conviction and makes you believe she has experienced all that the lyrics portray. Like Mildred Bailey in the early 1930's, Alex has a means of setting benchmarks for the music and has developed a style that is instantly recognizable.
Backed by a superb band comprising of Kevin Clark - trumpet, Ross Wooldridge - clarinet/sax, Danny Douglas - trombone, Jesse Barksdale - guitar, Cheong Liu - bass, Peter Hill - piano and Chris Lamont - drums, who get plenty of opportunities to solo.
Highlights include her provocative rendition of "Sweetheart I'm Yours" and "Through the Courtesy of Love", bouncy happy tones on "Sing You Sinners" and "Serenade in the Night".
The band fulfils their roles perfectly on "Blues My Naughty Sweetie Gives to Me", one of two strictly instrumental tunes, the other "Dinah" also shows the rapport they have with each other, at times sounding a lot like middle period Eddie Condon's gang.
This is an exceptional recording that belongs in your collection, and a worthy introduction to you who have not heard of this remarkable songbird.
"Highly Recommended!"
Hal Hill, Jazz Canadiana
