New York stories

"Trust Judy Niemack to banish blues, blahs and social despair. Sounding fresh as her debut with Warne Marsh in 1978, this sunny vocalist of pinpoint articulation, exuberant scat and riveting vocalese soars from aerie to peak on Jim McNeely's catchy charts, brimming with vitality and subtle quotes, all navigated with cool aplomb by the Danish Radio Big Band ... This date's torturous odyssey began when McNeely penned this set for Niemack's 1993 and 2001 gigs with WDR Big Band. Later recorded with Danes, it's finally released here. Some music is really worth the wait".