CD review: ‘A Date with a Song’ by Rita Shelby

“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. I am Rita Shelby and this is the 2 Jazzy crew. Thank you for joining us this evening. ‘Cause tonight, I’ve got a date with a song.” – “The 2 Jazzy Intro” (track 1)

The first song of “A Date with a Song” sets the tone. The album is your ticket to an intimate musical experience. The evening promises to be full of jazz, love and relaxation.

“A Date with a Song” is passionate poetry in motion. Listening to the album is like tasting heaven from the comfort of your home. The 12 tracks tease every sense, soothe the mind, and make you feel as though Rita Shelby and her crew were standing right in front of you. This, in itself, is an achievement worth mentioning.

The melodies are lovely and match the singer’s exquisite voice and bubbly personality perfectly. Some of the songs (“Cherish the Moment,” “Sour Citrus,” “Draw the Line,” “Always You” and “The People I Love”) deserve global attention and should be streamed on every radio station in the world. And the world would definitely be better for it.

In my life, I have heard many great singers. However, none of them can sing with such sensuality, youthfulness and maturity at the same time. Shelby embodies the essence of jazz: Like the genre of music, she constantly reinvents herself.

“A Date with a Song” is a crystal-clear sounding album that delivers from beginning to end. I wish I had 10 stars to rate it. In the meantime, I will stick to the five I have here and strongly recommend it!

“A Date with a Song” was released in 2008 and is available for purchase at the following: Shelby’s Website,  Amazon.com,ITunes and Rhapsody.