Today was a rough day, but it got a lot better when I arrived home to find the New Jackie Ryan CD in my mailbox. You and the Night and the Music was just released in August, but I think the distribution must have been lagging a bit because I couldn't find it immediately available in any brick-and-mortar store or online. I finally ordered it from Circuit City.com because I got the best price ($14.99) and lowest shipping ($1.99) there. It was back ordered, but it only took about two weeks for me to get it. It was well worth the wait!

I had never even heard of Jackie Ryan until I heard the title cut on Bob Parlocha's jazz show on public radio. Bob is a straight-up jazz man and a serious jazz musician. Hey, anybody who does a mainstream jazz radio show has got to know what he's talking about. I liked the title song and I knew he wouldn't play the CD unless it were of top notch quality, so I decided to buy it. I'm very glad I did.

On first listen, there were three very outstanding tracks out of the fourteen on this CD. The second time I played it, I fell in love with the whole CD! My favorite numbers are (in no particular order) #1. You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To, #8. The Best Is Yet To Come, and #9 You And The Night And The Music. Those are just the ones that initially stood out to me, but honestly, there's not a bad cut on the whole CD. As any jazz vocalist should, Jackie has an instrumental quality to her voice. She has surrounded herself with some first rate musicians on this CD, and her voice is perfectly juxtaposed with their fine work. It's obvious that they took their time and got things right on this CD.

If you like jazz vocals from a great female jazz vocalist, buy this CD. If you like a good, tight, clean jazz sound from accomplished musicians, buy this CD. If you enjoy hearing great standards covered in grand jazz fashion, buy this CD. Actually, I can't think of a reason not to buy this CD! Even if you've never had a particular liking for jazz, this CD will make you an avid fan.

You and the Night and the Music from Open Art Productions (#OA07292)

Personnel: Jackie Ryan - vocals, Red Holloway - tenor sax, Tamir Hendelman - piano, Larry Koonse - guitar, Christoph Luty - bass, Jeff Hamilton - drums, Carol Robbins - harp