‘I Wish You Love’

Melveen Leed
(ML Records)

Melveen Leed is so well-known as a major showroom entertainer and for the Hawaiian and hapa haole songs that have become her musical signatures, that her first full-length mainstream jazz album will surprise those who know her only from those previous recordings.

After all, Leed’s "E Ku‘u Morning Dew"/"Alone Once More" won her a Na Hoku Hanohano Award in 1978, and her bilingual recording of "Iesu Me Ke Kanaka Wai Wai" is probably the best-known version of that classic Hawaiian song. Leed was also promoted for years as a "Hawaiian country" singer, and her recording of "Paniolo Country" is by far the most enduring version of that song as well.

However, those who know her know she has always enjoyed singing mainstream all-American jazz. With this long-awaited album she opens a significant new chapter in her career as a recording artist.

Leed and producer-pianist-arranger Barry Miles keep everything clean and uncluttered. Noel Okimoto (drums) and Dean Taba (bass) complete the trio that backs her on Miles’ beautiful arrangements. There are no synthetic-string effects or other detrimental add-ons; Miles, Okimoto and Taba provide all the support that’s necessary. Their craftsmanship adds another dimension to the project.

With 15 songs on the album instead of the customary 10 or 12, there is a lot to enjoy here. "Blue Skies," sung to a bright up-tempo arrangement, introduces Leed in swinging style and captures her personality. "When I Fall in Love" and "Misty" are benchmark numbers for countless singers; both fit in beautifully here. "Waikiki" is a welcome nod to her Hawaiian roots. "One Note Samba" and "Manha de Carnaval" represent her interest in other genres.

www.melveenleed.com

"Blue Skies"