May 1998

Nancy Kelly
Singin' & Swingin'
Amherst Records

By Sid Gribetz

Nancy Kelly is a brassy, fresh-voiced vocalist with a rich sense of timing. Singing brash jazz classics, she makes a fine emotional connection with the listener.

This is her second album on Amherst, and on it she makes a sassy impression that makes her a talent worth watching out for. However, the album is marred by synthetic backings and sometimes syrupy and occasionally schmaltzy interpretations. A saving grace are the sax solos by Bobby Militello and Joe Carello.