Claire Martin - Secret Love (LP)

Dive into the enchanting world of Claire Martin's "Secret Love," a captivating journey through the realms of vocal jazz released in 2004. This album, a testament to Martin's vocal prowess and stylistic intelligence, features a stellar lineup of musicians, including Gareth Williams and Richard Rodney Bennett on piano, Laurence Cottle on bass, and Clark Tracey on drums, with Nigel Hitchcock adding his saxophone talents to the mix. Recorded at the prestigious Mark Angelo Studios and mixed at Denham Sound Suite, "Secret Love" is a sonic masterpiece, encoded in HDCD for superior audio quality.

Spanning 52 minutes, the album comprises 12 tracks that showcase Martin's versatility and deep understanding of the jazz genre. From the sultry "Secret Love" and the swinging "Jive" to the poignant "The Meaning of the Blues" and the playful "Cheek to Cheek," each song is a testament to Martin's ability to infuse classic standards with fresh energy. The album also includes lesser-known gems like "Love is a Bore" and "Something Cool," providing a delightful mix of familiar and new.

"Secret Love" is not just an album; it's an experience that highlights Claire Martin's remarkable voice and her ability to interpret jazz standards with style and intelligence. Whether you're a longtime fan of vocal jazz or a newcomer to the genre, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.