(MusicBrokers)

Hotel Souza, the debut recording of vocalist Karen Souza, grabs you from the very first note. Souza’s vocal delivery is a throwback, and yet, very contemporary in style. It’s both sensitive and seductive. Combine this with terrific arrangements and lush string and horn performances, and you’ve got an intoxicating mix. The production of Joel McNeely, like the singer’s vocals, is spot on. The songlist here is fresh, with Souza co-writing eight of the project’s 11 tunes, all of which sound like absolute standards. The two cover tracks, including a sultry version of the classic “I Heard It Through The Grapevine”, live up to the excellence of the entire production. On all levels this is an outstanding effort that instantly renders Ms. Souza a shining star on the jazz horizon.