Sue Pasquale is Brookfield's best kept secret. She definitely has a place in jazz clubs in every city in the world. Especially impressive is how she didn't merely play it safe with MOSTLY BOP by going to overly proven territory. The selection is one of a kind. Sure, she can't help but play off of overly familiar territory like "Honeysuckle Rose" and "Body and Soul," though she makes them all her own, fitting them perfectly into the progressive mode of this most special cd. Adding vocals and personalizing several classics among be-bop connoisseurs make it appear obvious that masters like Gerry Mulligan and Thelonious Monk would be impressed if they were still with us. It blows the listener away right off with Monk's "Straight No Chaser," which plays off every note of the complicated melody with her touch, and shows off the skills of baritone sax player Dave Poe. Sue Pasquale had impressively recorded an unlikely uptempo version of "When Sunny Gets Blue" on her previous cd, and here she returns to the territory of writers Segal and Fisher for "I Keep Goin Back To Joe's," a song affiliated with Nat King Cole. With it, Sue takes a noirish turn to a melody that fully suggests the lyrics, further amplified by the feel of the vocals. This version further amplified by the feel of the vocals. Mulligan's "Line For Lyons" becomes a perfect opportunity to celebrate the art of scatting, and more great sax work. How they work off one another in the climax is priceless, with some clever delivery of lyrics to bring it home. Sue steps aside and let's bandmates (including her exquisitely talented husband Bill) have a field day on Milt Jackson's "Bag's Groove." He trades off lines with Poe's sax, while Mark Neuenschwander's bass holds the whole thing together. Each takes a solo verse, and shines brightly. As some fans of the genre know, Charlie Parker's "Ornithology" was based on the melody and changes of "How High The Moon" and here,the two are combined, with the lyrics of "How High The Moon" sung as an introduction to a whopping Charlie Parker tribute of a rendition of "Ornithology." The Jobimesque "You Said You Couldn't Dance" presents itself quite beautifuly among the tracks, adding some variety while maintaining the progressive edge. Neuenschwander has some of his finest moments on it as well. She has a different lyrical take on "Night In Tunisia" (you may be familiar with Anita O'Day's, "Interlude"), and it seems to suggest something closer to what Dizzy Gillespie was composing about. Oliver Nelson's "Stolen Moments" sounded like the greatest challenge. Her delivery rolls out the layered melody execution perfectly! Then comes the expected scat verse, which is far more brilliantly executed than you might expect. My choice for the number one cut on the disc. Again, she let's the trio go to town on "Body And Soul," and it's nothing like Coleman Hawkins version, not to say better or worse, just that they truly stand on their own two feet, and give the world another fine rendition. "Honeysuckle Rose" is the perfect finale, complete with a loyal rendering, some bass licks that knock your socks off, and more quality scatting. You can hear a little of Anita O'Day's version in the reprise verse, though it's no carbon copy, and it pays tribute to the great vocalist, as well as Fats Waller. The whole cd is a wonderful homage to people whose music has been an important part of my life, and it manages to do so in a one of a kind original package. More of the world needs to know of Sue Pasquale and the Windy City Be-Bop Trio.

There are some differences from Sue Pasquale's earlier CD "Girl Talk" - first and foremost, no drums on this CD! This has an incredible freeing effect. There is a lighter feeling but no letting up on the intensity. Sometimes instruments or even vocals are presented unaccompanied and this is a fantastic sound (check the blending of "How High The Moon"/"Ornithology"). Sue Pasquale's voice is clear and accurate, with great confidence. A real gem on this CD is Bill Pasquale and John Strickland's original composition "You Said You Couldn't Dance" - it's the equal of well-known pieces by Michel Legrand. Another unexpected highlight is the instrumental version of Milt Jackson's "Bags' Groove" - what a pleasant treat on what might seem like a vocalist's album. But as opposed to many recordings, this one seems to be one where every participant is an equal. At some points it sounds like anyone could be the leader: a real team effort with the common goal of great music. Everyone gives 100% and no one is coasting here. The excellent recording quality and tasteful arrangements allow every single note to be heard - and every single note is well worth hearing! As with the earlier CD, there are some rarely heard lyrics to jazz classics - "Line For Lyons" and "Stolen Moments", in particular. This beautifully produced album is not to be missed by anyone who appreciates the finest in jazz.