Jazzvox Presents: In Your Own Backyard

OA2 Records, out of Seattle, has issued a compilation of singers and most of them are well worth hearing. I guess everyone has their own favorites, but here are mine: John Proulx, a singer-pianist with a similarity to Chet Baker (but he's a better singer). He does a Frank Rosolino rarity called "Please Don't Bug Me" and also contributes a delicate love song to his newly born daughter entitled "Welcome to My World." Proulx has a couple CDs out on the MaxJazz label which I highly recommend. Kristin Korb is a dedicated jazz singer who scores on "Comes Love" and "You're Getting to Be a Habit with Me." And Seattle resident Kelley Johnson comes on strong with "Blue Monk" and "Triste." Finally, there's Hanna Richardson, a straight from the heart singer who reminds me just a bit of Maxine Sullivan. You'll love her no-gimmick renditions of "Back in Your Own Backyard" and "These Foolish Things." There are five more singers on the disc, and not a bad apple in the bucket. So if you're into quality jazz singing, this is a disc worth seeking out.