Ann Hampton Callaway
At Last
Telarc Jazz
By George W. Harris

Vocalist Ann Hampton Callaway is one of those singers you just can’t find fault with. She’s got perfect enunciation, a set of chops that is second to none, and knows how to use dynamics to utter perfection. And in concert, she’s as funny as all get out. So why isn’t she more famous? Not blond, leggy and 20 something, my wife says. Could be. This latest disc of hers continues her successful run on Telarc.

For this release, Callaway emphasizes romance and ballads, and holds the reigns perfectly on her stallion of a voice. Not so standards like Chick Corea’s “Spain” and Joni Mitchell’s “Carey” have enough rhythmic twists and turns to show off her impeccable control, while “Lazy Afternoon” has her in a perfectly dusky fashion. Her own compositions are right on the money, with “Save A Place For Me” destined for a place in
The Fake Book. Some excellent guitar work by Rodney Jones, along with an excellent supporting cast of Jay Leonhart/b, Ted Rosenthal/p and Victor Lewis/dr makes this record a record to compare all upcoming vocal releases to.