Eartha Kitt - Thinking Jazz

The tracks on Eartha Kitt's THINKING JAZZ were recorded at a studio session in 1991 and a German live date in September, 1992, towards the end of Kitt's self-imposed European exile. This is one of Kitt's most straightforwardly jazz-oriented albums, with none of her usual pop and cabaret overtones. The five-piece combo playing behind her-clarinet and tenor saxophone plus rhythm section-is tight and economical, and the arrangements give each member room to stretch out without dissolving into extended jams. Kitt's spectacular voice remains front and center throughout, although the instrumental "God Bless the Child" that provides the link between the studio and live material shows that even without her contributions, this would be a swinging album. "Life Made Me Beautiful At Forty" and a gentle "Night and Day" are among the highlights.

(Rovi / allmusic)