Claire Daly: Swing Low

Daly revels in the baritone saxophone’s warm tones. She has quietly carved out her stylistic voice, undaunted by the instrument’s technical and physical demands.

The album also features bassist Dave Hofstra, drummer Peter Grant and pianist Eli Yamin. Tenor saxophonist George Garzone guests on two tracks, including his own recording of “The Chooch.” But of course, Daly’s the star of this recording. She unravels the material with a passionate, easy delivery, note fluttering with graceful repose.

The recording opens with a solo prelude by Daly on the title track and quickly evolves into “I’ve Got the World on a String.” She reaches back over the decades to pull out Rahsaan Roland Kirk’s “Lady Blues,” treating it with the appropriate sauciness, while revealing its quirkiness.

An equipoise of emotional depth is reached on “I Thought About You” and she delivers “Sharp Turn” with bracing clarity.

The recording highlight, though, is the virility and passion that she conveys on “You Make Me Feel So Young” and “I’ve Grown Accustomed to Her Face,” fleshing out the songs’ meaty melodicism with unerring ease.

Originally Published October 1, 1999