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Kellye Gray was arguably Houston's best, and probably most popular, jazz vocalist of the late 80's and early 90's, before moving to the San Francisco area. Her first CD, "Standards in Gray", was one of the first releases by Houston's Justice Records and outsold all the other Justice releases until Gray and Justice owner Randall Jamail had a falling out and the CD was briefly pulled from the Justice catalog. At any rate, in 1992 when this CD was recorded, Gray was without a record label. But now finally, 4 years later, Houston-based Proteus Records revives this gem from the vaults. Featuring an all-star local cast of top jazzers, including the late pianist Dave Catney, to whom the CD is dedicated, Warren Snead on sax, Sebastian Whittaker on drums, David Craig - bass, Erich Avinger - guitar, Kuko Miranda - congas, and some phenomenal blowing by trumpet and flugelhorn player Dennis Dotson, this release actually exceeds the standard of playing set on "Standards".

The opening track, Charlie Parker's "Billie's Bounce", features Gray's low register muted trumpet imitation, as well as short solos by Snead and Catney. "Speak Low" follows, with a great flugelhorn solo by Dennis Dotson. The title track, "Tomato Kiss" is reminiscent of some of Herbie Hancock's Maiden Voyage era excursions. "Small Day Tomorrow" and "I Believe in You" are both good straight ahead bluesy swing numbers. "A House is Not a Home" is rendered simply and movingly. "Velas Icadas" closes with a fast jazzy samba feel, with Erich Avinger contributing some acoustic guitar licks.

If you like Kellye Gray, you will love this CD. To those unfamiliar, her vocal stylings cover a variety of bases. Her press kit contains an article which mentions her vocal resemblance to Sarah Vaughn as well as Ethel Merman. Gray sounds great when she sounds like Sarah Vaughn (which, thankfully, is most of the time). But when a word here or a phrase there gets inflected with that bombastic, Ethel Merman-like, cabaret style vibrato, it seems out of context. For show tunes, it would be fine, but on top of smooth, post bebop mood jazz, it breaks the flow. Anyway, as is also mentioned in her press kit, her voice is an acquired taste. Even Ethel Merman can grow on you.

*** 1/2 (three and a half stars)

MARK TOWNS

Check out track samples and other info for Tomato Kiss on Music Boulevard.