(High Note Records)

As the middle child of 11 children, Mary Stallings probably didn’t stand out right away, but it’s not the case today. The experience she gained singing in a family gospel group with her mother and two older sisters from the age of ten, certainly has served her well over the course of lengthy singing career. Stints with Ben Webster,Cal Tjader, Teddy Edwards and Wes Montgomery couldn’t hurt either in fostering a well-earned reputation as a seasoned jazz vocalist. Her latest recording, her first for HighNote Records, is a testament to the fact that Stallings is still as good as ever. Dream finds her collaborating again with pianist/arranger Eric Reed for some beautiful new presentations of notable jazz standards by Cole Porter, Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer, Artie Shaw and others from various musical periods. Also joining in is a rhythm section of Ralph Penland on drums and Hamilton Price on bass.  Stalling’s daughter Adriana Evans joins her on a duet on one track on the project. This recording is another excellent effort by one of the jazz world’s great vocalists.