Dear Peg

They Say...

Review by Michael G. Nastos, All Music Guide

When Tish Oney sings, the sweetness of her soul blooms like a pungent, colorful, beautiful orchid, and that should be enough for many listeners. Add that she is arranging and re-interpreting the repertoire of singer/songwriter Peggy Lee, is accompanied by Lee's former music director, guitarist John Chiodini, assisted by former Lee soloists trombonist Bill Watrous and vibraphonist Bob Leatherbarrow, endorsed by Lee's granddaughter Holly Foster-Wells, and you have the makings of a perfect win-win situation. Also something to remember is that Peggy Lee not only was a wonderful lyricist, but also collaborated on tunes with heavyweight like Sonny Burke, Victor Young, Duke Ellington, Harold Arlen, and Johnny Mandel, as demonstrated on this CD. Oney has a truly pitch-perfect voice, wonderful phrasings, and enough swing or scat to own her personal page in the legitimate jazz singer's ledger. What separates Oney from Lee is that she makes no attempt to be sultry, slick, or sexy. She's wholesome, polished, and the ultimate nice girl next door. Listen to her measured phrasing on the exuberant "It's a Good Day," the popping, campy, and energetic "I'm Gonna Go Fishin'," or the popular "I Love Being Here with You," and resist being totally charmed. Then try out her clean, clear voice during the doo doo scatted "It Must Be So," or the flexibility of the boppish "Boomerang" and attempt avoiding a second listen. Oney also shares reflection during an evocative version of "The Shining Sea" or the more Antonio Carlos Jobim-than-Peggy Lee light Brazilian tune "Burn It Slow." The treats are in the details on several tunes, like bass, guitar or drum duets as introductions, the great solos from Watrous and Leatherbarrow, or Oney's pristine way of interpreting a ballad, calmed by the classy guitar work of Chiodini. Seriously -- this woman and her team not only do these songs justice, but can easily elevate them to an area that will thoroughly please Lee's fans, and turn a new generation on to them. Tish Oney does Lee and her songs prouder than anyone in contemporary times, and should give more famous singers like Diana Krall, Dianne Reeves, or Jane Monheit pause for concern. She's firmly on their trail.