Paula Lammers wasn't the first to sing the 11 vintage favorites on her first album. But she's made them her own with verve and originality.

A Minneapolis-based jazz vocalist, she has a sweet voice and a polished style honed in appearances throughout the Midwest. Lammers is operatically trained and it shows in the elegance and grace she brings to these renditions of jazz standards. Her vocals are warm and personal with clear enunciation.

Lammers was featured vocalist at the 2006 Grand Marais Jazz Festival. She conducts workshops and teaches in addition to a steady line of performances. Since 2005, she's been appearing with vocalist Reeves Cary as the duo Girl 'n' Boy Singer.

This is her first recorded CD and this listener found nothing to fault and much to like. Some special favorites include a lively rendition of "Honeysuckle Rose" and the smooth "Isn't It Romantic," which features a saxophone solo by Gary Berg. She's backed by a host of proficient musicians: Peter Schimke, keyboards; Clay Moore, guitar; Billy Peterson, bass; Kenny Horst, drums; and Gary Berg, sax and harmonica.

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