Annie Sellick is in the driver's seat on "Street of Dreams"

Annie Sellick has a vocal swagger that cannot be mistaken. Those who have heard her previous recordings know that this is nothing new. This confidence isn't limited to Annie's voice. A look of the eye, coupled with an assuring smile lends the audience a teasing hint of what's in store for the evening.

In 2009, Annie Sellick released her 5th CD, Street of Dreams. The 11-track CD features two rhythm section sets - Gerald Clayton (piano), Dan Lutz (bass), and Kevin Kanner (drums) on half of the tunes, and Tamir Hendelman (piano), Christoph Luty (bass), and Jeff Hamilton (drums) on the other half.

The CD opens with Cloudburst, a thumping bass trot by Dan Lutz, as Annie enters with bouncing lyrics of going through life with a frown. A drumming pattern segues to an up-tempo pace. Annie's lyrics are rapid, yet smooth; very close to a scatting pace. The rhythm section of Gerald's piano, Dan's bass, and Kevin's drums are locked in with Annie's vocals, as she passes the baton to the fluidity of Gerald's piano solo, which is then followed by Kevin's drums. The time change and scat-like tempo represents newfound joy of finding the one who makes you turn that frown upside down - the special someone who makes you happy. It also represents optimism for years of happiness to come. The end of the tune is as pronounced and definite as a "cloudburst", making it a great metaphor, and appropriate title for this number.

Do it Again is romantically sneaky, with Annie taking a seductive vocal approach, accompanied by some skillful basswork by Christoph. The tune is cleanly executed, as the group drifts in and out of playful rhythm and time changes. Christoph's bass, along with Jeff's cymbal taps, really add to the sly feel of this enticing tune.

Annie demonstrates vocal dexterity in Tristeza, a samba number that finds her giving us some fluent Portuguese lyrics. The tempo is fun and infectious.

Things slow down with I know you oh so well. Kevin's brushes and Gerald's piano set the tempo and the mood, drawing a dimly-lit & cozy jazz stage to the mind's eye. Annie softens her voice to an intoxicating tone as the delivery of her lyrics are mellow and deliberate.

In the title track, Annie sings of a place where we can find all things good: what is broken is fixed, and what is old is new again. All the while, the rhythm section offers a traditional and steady jazz pattern, with Rod McGaha's trumpet concurring to the vocal testimony as well. The end of this tune will actually leave you pining for the street of dreams.

The CD closes with Look out for Love, a piano-driven, suspenseful tune. The rhyming pattern of the lyrics are cleverly crafted (she'll get the marriage book out/she'll pick the perfect nook out/her welcome has been shook out/look out, its love). Midway through, Tamir carries a spirited piano solo, along with Christoph's walking bass. Then Annie's commanding scat ushers in Jeff's moving drum solo. This is the perfect closing number, exhibiting everyone's skill with a punctuated ending that leaves you wanting more.

Annie drives Street of Dreams through a journey of lively rhythms and seductive tempos. She shares with us an array of feelings: from the bubbly innocence of newfound love, to the sneaky playful romance of Do it Again, to the "get out and shake it" party mood of Mambo-Italiano. The Vocal wit, spunk, and skill is easily detected in each of her tunes, and equally so by her supportive and talented rhythm group.

This month, Annie Sellick comes to The Blue Wisp for two nights, March 27th & 28th. The Blue Wisp is located at 318 East 8th Street, downtown (513) 241-9477. Both shows start at 8:30. Admission is $15. Cheers!

- jh