I'm Dreaming
04/07/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I had not heard of Lorez Alexandria when I bought this CD. Anyone who owns it can imagine how stunned I was when I first heard her wonderful, classic, jazz voice come through the stereo speakers. Lorez Alexandria is a dream come true. Her voice sounds remarkably like Sarah Vaughan at times, yet she is always her own singer. The timing, the phrasing, the nuance, it's all here in well-polished form. To my ear, Miss Alexandria is at her best when she is taking her time with a song, caressing the lyrics and giving each word its proper attention and emotion, as in "Make Someone Happy." Her version of "Where Have You Been" is also a don't-miss. The song choices are standards, and they are treated in straight-ahead manner. Pianist Stan Hope deserves notable mention. The big tenor saxophone sound of Huston Person is a perfect complement to these songs. Person commands attention when he plays, and he displays perfect restraint and taste as an accompanist, always adding, never overwhelming.If you think you've heard all the good vocalists out there, and haven't heard Lorez Alexandria, you're in for a nice surprise. Like I said, a dream come true."