Stella Bass: Too Darn Hot

This Dublin singer's debut album might have been recorded at any time in the past 60 years, which will be music to some ears and sound a hollow note in others. An unabashed celebration of the classic songbook repertoire, including chestnuts such as All the Things You Are, A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square and Why Don't You Do Right?, this self-released CD is probably aimed more at securing Bass live engagements than storming the barricades of contemporary artistic expression. However, Dublin-based pianist Phil Ware's original arrangements are pin-sharp, and the excellent group – which includes guitarist Hugh Buckley, saxophonist Michael Buckley, trumpeter Danny Healy and drummer Dominic Mullan – delivers them with an assurance and conviction that lifts this album to another level. stellabass.com