Always the romanticist, singer/songwriter Ann Hampton Callaway definitively embraces that state of being with her newest and most personal disc, At Last on the Telarc Jazz label. Right from the dynamic first cut, “What Is This Thing Called Love?,” with some refined scat, Callaway establishes a dreamy, romantic theme that only increases with each cut that follows.

Some imaginatively interpreted selections stand out more than others. Slickly arranged takes on tunes by Joni Mitchell, Stevie Nicks and Chick Corea particularly set the album apart. Mitchell’s rare “Carey” has a languid yet driving rhythmic sense that pulsates. “Spain,” by Arte Maren, Al Jarreau, Joaquin Rodrigo and Corea, is a rhythmically-charged bravura turn that rivals Astrud Gilberto and Sergio Mendes’ bossa genius. The riveting lyrics and understated beauty of Stevie Nicks’ “Landslide” make this captivating ballad a winner on every level, accompanied by lilting violin and soft guitar that is haunting. The album’s title cut makes one forget the well-known original as sung by Etta James. Other standouts: “Over the Rainbow” and “On My Way to You.” The album is filled with personal poems to life and love by a singer’s singer in perfect sync with an outstanding band.

John Hoglund
Cabaret Scenes
January/February 2009
www.cabaretscenes.org