Kenny Rankin Because Of You (audiophile Gold Cd)

Kenny Rankin sings like Chet Baker would have if Baker had had a voice. His tone is high (Rankin's speaking voice is actually fairly low) and he has a subtle, cool style. It is a bit of a surprise, but Rankin (whose previous output has been in pop music) is actually a fine jazz singer. He always sticks to the lyrics when performing veteran standards (there is no scatting), but changes many of the notes, even during the melody statements, and he is definitely improvising. Rankin's concept is kind of strange ("At Last" and "The Very Thought of You" are radically changed) but successful and he has a strong and likable voice.

Maryland-born saxophonist Kim Waters is a gifted performer known for his romantic, cross-over jazz style. Influenced by both bluesy jazz and soulful R&B, Waters debuted in 1989 with Sweet and Saxy. His next several albums, 1991's Sax Appeal, 1993's Peaceful Journey, and 1994's It's Time for Love, found him moving in a more smooth jazz direction. It was a creative transformation that culminated in 1998's Love's Melody and 1999's One Special Moment. In 2001, Waters delivered From the Heart, his first of several albums on Shanachie Records that included 2002's Someone to Love You, 2004's In the Name of Love, 2007's You Are My Lady, and his 2008 homage to Marvin Gaye, I Want You: Love in the Spirit of Marvin.