I'll Take Romance - The Scotsman

Tina May is as good as any of the current rather numerous crop of female singers working the classic jazz beat, and better than most of them. Her debut for Linn Records is neither startling nor ground-breaking, but it is a thoroughly classy affair, both in performance and production. The singer handles an excellent selection of romantic ballads with her usual aplomb and seductive phrasing, and makes telling use of her wide vocal range. She is supported by immaculate tenor saxophone work from Scott Hamilton and a first-rate rhythm section in which Nikki Iles and Robin Aspland share piano duties.