Live in Japan

Good things are worth waiting for. And it's been a very long wait for the release of this exceptional set, performed by jazz vocalist Cathy Segal-Garcia and pianist Phillip Strange. It was recorded in Osaka, Japan, 30 years ago. But what dazzled listeners in 1992 will still do so in 2022 and beyond.

This two-CD package contains 21 classic tunes, attractively arranged and entrancingly performed. Segal-Garcia's ability to utilize unique phrasing, wherever appropriate, allows her warm, abundantly appealing voice to act as an inventive instrument. Her savory scatting serves up another fun, engaging element.

She pours moving, authentic emotion into such alluring songs as "More Than You Know," "The Nearness of You" and "How Long Has This Been Going On." Segal-Garcia gives a glorious rendition of "Misty." She's soulful and earthy on "God Bless The Child." She is equally effective on toe-tappers like "I Got Rhythm" and "Night and Day." She makes each song her own. She and Strange take "Sentimental Journey" on an exhilarating trip it's never been on before.

"Alice in Wonderland" proves to be truly magical, as is her exquisite take on "When You Wish Upon a Star." Because the '92 concert took place in December, the duo also performed a few Christmas tunes. They swing merrily through "Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town." Segal-Garcia's vocal on "White Christmas" glistens beautifully, as does "The Christmas Song."

At the piano, Phillip Strange, with a mastery of tone and dynamics, melody and rhythm, as well as stylistic variety, provides the ideal accompaniment for Segal-Garcia. His playing is imaginative and tasty.

It's a delight to catch two such extraordinary talents delivering such a superlative set.