January/February 1999

Gradie Stone
After All These Years
Niki Records

By Sunsh Stein

Polished and professional spring to mind to describe this outing by vocalist Gradie Stone. It's also spirited, swinging and heartfelt, both in her delivery and that of her musicians. This roster of standards with a few oddball tunes, sung and played in a straightahead fashion, exhibit Stone's vocal control and thoughtful phrasing. Contributing to the sound are drummer Joe Cucuzzo, bassist Brian Glassman, pianist Michael DiLorenzo, with saxophonist George Young.