Coolidge, Rita
Concord, 2005, CD
Instrument: Female Vocals
Issue: 11.3
Jazz Ruler Type: Ballads, Blues
Performance: 4
Sound: 3
Score: 
O’s Notes: Pretty lady, pretty, melodic voice. But And So Is Love is more complex than that. Rita’s voice is deep, smooth and romantic, very well suited to these dozen covers. The arrangements by Russell Ferrante and Alan Pasqua are done well, matching Rita’s range and freshening the tunes as well. Among the highlights is “I Don’t Know Enough About You” where Rita’s voice pairs well with the baritone sax of Ronnie Cuber and “Cry Me A River”. Coolidge has sparkled in rock and pop settings in the past but her take on the American Songbook here places her well into contemporary jazz space where she easily holds her own.
