This CD starts with a fast and very “hip” opener, The Struggle. This one "reeks" of the standard style of Cole Porter. A sizziling band plays a tailor-made horn arrangement by George Tidwell. Next follows, No Hallelujahs. Who could ignore the very verbalized introduction played on trombone by Roy Agee? What a great exchange between Donna and Roy in which they were actually talking to each other.
I Can't Give You Anything But Love is like old Wine, but new bottle. How refreshing it is to hear a "oldie but goodie" done so authentically by seasoned musicians playing this jazz standard the way it was created to sound. Donna's "scatting" belies her colossal ears as she holds her own followed by Denis Solee on tenor, George Tidwell on muted trumpet and Roy Agee on trombone. There is nothing more appropriate for a good singer than a nice slow floating ballad. A Flower is a Lovesome Thing uses the extreme limits of Donna’s very broad vocal range to make this musical expression come alive. The trio was perfect.
I Like Being in Love- I know that jazzers value a song that has great chord changes as this one does. Special guest soloist, Larry Monroe wastes no time jumping into the party while tearing into the changes. Every good CD can use a nice bossa nova. While Morning Waits is well placed in the sequence as well as being hip. The lyrics are classically written and the exchange between the vocal lead and the solo flute is smooth and well-conceived. On Nothing's Second To Love, Donna is joined again by alto player Larry Monroe who, once again, flies gracefully through some beautiful chord changes. The Late Late Show is a good example of a small band arrangement which features a vocalist and a pianist. It is very supportive with lots of "shout choruses" and "set-up" choruses.
Just Your Smile is just about the hippest tune on the CD. The composers outdid themselves on this one. Great solos by George and Denis. The tempo is in the "pocket" and the "scatting" by Donna is ultra-hip. Nights In Blue is very soulful, seemingly written from personal experience. The tune is well executed with a great amount of creative input by the piano. Hip-ness abounds as we travel back to very good traditional jazz. Fly To Forever showcases the tightness of the whole ensemble as Donna and her band take a final romp through a great set of changes.
Why Can't We Live Together? Soulful and pretty, Donna puts her gospel background and jazz/pop chops together on this one to perform a compelling ending to a great CD.
Richard Evans - Professor, Creative Writing and Production - Berklee College of Music - Review of CD - Fly To Forever