"Barbara Knight's CD, "Angel Eyes," is a honey. Not only does the lissome singer refresh chestnuts such as "I'm Beginning To See the Light," "You Don't Know What Love Is" and "A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square," she endows co-producer Dave Morgan's "Choices" with her own sensitive lyrics and gives plenty of breathing room to her illustrious friends. These include the great saxophonist Howie Smith, the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra musical director (and musician extraordinaire) Jack Schantz on flugelhorn, the protean Morgan on bass, and vibraharpist Ron Busch. Knight's quintet regulars - a fleet, stylishly punchy bunch - are pianist Russell Schmidt, drummer Jim Rupp, Morgan and Schantz. They back her with verve and unexpected daring on the title track, a sultry "Garota de Ipanema" and two tunes in which Knight's coolly defiant approach rings particularly true: "You Don't Know What Love Is" and "What Is This Thing Called Love?" Knight's voice is measured and understated, but she knows how to make a song burn with a singular, quiet fire." Carlo Wolff, jazz critic and author of "Cleveland Rock & Roll Memories"
"Having not heard Barbara Knight before, I was very surprised by her creativity, maturity, warm voice and excellent improvising skills. Based in Cleveland where she sings with the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra and is often known as a big band singer, on Angel Eyes she is joined by her quintet. Along the way Ms. Knight takes a duet with each of her sidemen including drummer Jim Rupp ("Secret Love"), pianist Russell Schmidt ("A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square"), bassist Dave Morgan ("Lullaby Of Birdland") and flugelhornist Jack Schantz ("Skylark"). Vibraphonist Ron Busch and Howie Smith (on alto and soprano) also make appearances. Dave Morgan and the singer are responsible for the colorful arrangements. Such songs as "You Go To My Head," "You Don't Know What Love Is" and "Old Devil Moon" are given fresh treatments full of subtle surprises, making this CD a perfect introduction to Barbara Knight, a singer who takes chances and has the technique and abilities to constantly succeed. The CD is available from www.barbaraknight.net.
Scott Yanow, jazz critic, Los Angeles Jazz Scene magazine
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