Easy swinging is the order of the day on this CD of standards and classics. The Espresso Jazz Trio is Sandi Russell vocalist and guitars, Barbara Hilton on bass, and Kerry Blount on tenor sax, flute and soprano sax. Clarinetist Bob Sparkman and alto player and vocalist Joe Roderick join Russell and Hilton on two tracks: "Crazy Rhythm" and "It Had To Be You." In all configurations, the participants in this recording are definitely on the same page as they effortlessly weave their laid-back magic.

Russell and Hilton began playing together in 1993 and still perform as a duo at some of their gigs. Their performance together is seamless; two halves of a whole. Hilton is solid on bass. Hilton’s duties are doubly difficult in a trio without a drummer, the usual timekeeper.

"Nature Boy," an unusual ballad made famous by Nat "King" Cole, receives a fresh and sensitive treatment by Espresso Jazz. The interweaving of flute and guitar create a lush bed for the poignant lyrics of this song. Kerry Blount’s playing adds color and dimension to these recordings. Listen to his poetic solo on "Embraceable You." His tenor is front and center on the Rodgers & Hart classic, "My Romance," and Harold Arlen’s "Come Rain Or Come Shine." Blount adds the soprano sax to " On A Clear Day." Soprano, tenor, or flute, Blount and Russell mesh seamlessly and Russell’s vocals seem to float above the instruments.

My favorite tracks include the breezy Latin Jobim composition, " Triste," and the happy, fun loving rendition of "Crazy Rhythm " that features a great alto solo from Joe Roderick, and "It Had To Be You," a vocal duet from Roderick and Russell with a decidedly New Orleans flavor thanks to Bob Sparkman’s clarinet work. The session ends with a swinging rendition of another Ellington classic, "Caravan." Blount’s tenor solo communicates the exotic flavor of the tune while Russell’s guitar sets an almost country swing pace.

This CD is a collection of favorites from musicians who form a working band. Their familiarity with each other lends itself to more natural, intimate, and sensitive readings of these classics.