JERSEY JAZZ
March of 2021 Issue
by Joseph Lang
Listening to And So It Begins (Wise Cat Records – 0005) by vocalist LOIS BRUNO, it is evident that despite this being her debut solo recording, she is an experienced singer. She is nicely accompanied by saxophonist Kenny Shanker, pianist Mike Eckroth, bassist Yoshi Waki and drummer Brian Fisher. Bruno’s program of eleven selections offers no surprises, but she gives fresh and welcoming takes on songs as varied as “When Sunny Gets Blue,” “Always on My Mind,” “But Beautiful,” “Feeling Good” and “Cry Me a River.” Her voice is appealing, warm and well suited to her material and approach. She has a definite jazz influence that enhances her approach to each selection. This may be a debut effort, but it oozes a deep professionalism. (www.wisecatrecords.com)