Album Notes

How many times have you put on a recording of a new singer and said, "Now there's a singer - a real singer"?

The first time I heard Irene Krall, Billie Holiday and Shirley Horn, I said, "Now that's a singer".

Well, the same thing happened to me when I heard this CD.

I thought it would be difficult to be objective about a friend of 40 years. It turned out to be easy because I was listening to a superb vocalist.

Where has she been? What's she doing?

She's been right here in Pasadena, California, gigging a couple nights a week, working on her craft, while being a mom and a wife.

But it's not about where she's been, it's about where she's going, and with her voice and this wonderful band, the sky is the limit.

The tunes she chose are some of the most challenging I've heard. Of course, it doesn't hurt to have world class musicians like Dave Koonse, a genius of harmony, melody and rhythm, and the foundation and brilliant solos of Putter Smith. Throw in Stacy Rowles, with her skill and tastiness, and you've got great musical "vittles" coming your way.

Relax, and VR's husky, sexy voice will take over...

-Henry "The Skipper" Franklin