Terry Blaine with Mark Shane - With Thee I Swing (2004)

Terry Blaine, who has a deep and husky voice, is a superior singer of swing standards, one with perfect time who is always in tune and swings in a soulful fashion. She does not copy any of her predecessors and is creative within the vintage style. On this set, a reissue of a 1997 concert that has been expanded with the addition of six "new" selections from the same performance, Blaine and her longtime accompanist, pianist Mark Shane, create plenty of musical magic. The sextet is excellent, with cornetist Ed Polcer in particularly inspired form and some good spots along the way for Ken Peplowski (particularly on tenor) and the Vic Dickenson-inspired trombone of Tom Artin. With music ranging from a touching version of "They Say That Falling in Love Is Wonderful" to a riotous "Mama Don't Allow," this set is highly recommended. ~ Scott Yanow

Terry Blaine (vocals); Mark Shane (piano); Allan Vache (tenor saxophone, clarinet); Ed Polcer (cornet); Tom Artin (trombone); Phil Flanigan (bass); Ed Metz Jr. (drums).