There is intense competition among female vocalists to become the next Norah Jones or Diana Krall. Aimee Allen is well positioned for success. She is young and attractive (looks should not be a factor, but they are). Her production and her backup of piano, bass and drums are perfect.

And she has a great voice, with well-honed jazz phrasing.

The only downside of this debut CD is Allen's choice of material. "My Favorite Things," "Cry Me a River," "Nature Boy," "Honeysuckle Rose" and "You Stepped Out of a Dream" are overly familiar to most listeners. And unlike an artist such as Cassandra Wilson, Allen does not contribute unusual arrangements to these songs.

"Solitude Blues," the only track that Allen wrote herself, stands up well against the other 10 tracks on Dream. If she writes more or looks for more unusual material for her next CD, Allen could become quite a contender.

[ visit Aimee Allen's website ]