Cat Conner

Cat Conner has long been a happy presence in the jazz scene in Los Angeles, often in the audience but more frequently in recent times as a singer. On Cat Tales she is accompanied by pianist George Mesterhazy, the reeds of Gene Cipriano (tenor, clarinet and bass clarinet) on five of the nine selections, and on three tunes (two of which also include Cipriano) bassist Jim Hughart. The sparse setting is perfect for Cat for her voice is strong and very attractive, her long tones are appealing, and she knows how to make each note and sound count. She particularly excels on ballads, gives the ancient standard “Hello Ma Baby” a surprisingly sensuous treatment, and swings at every tempo. On “Caravan” (the only selection without piano) her duet with Cipriano works well. Other highlights include her fresh renditions of “Them There Eyes,” “Some Other Time” and “Embraceable You.”

Home Page