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Vernelle Anders - Besame Mucho
From Album: "Vernelle Anders ~ At Last".
Vernelle Anders is no newcomer to the vocal scene, having performed for years in Alaska, Hawaii, and at various West Coast venues. Her earthy vocalizing reflects the years of working in a variety of settings at a variety of locales. There's no cloying hand wringing, but a sense of "I've been there and done that" in what she sings. Although the musical list leans heavily on standards, Anders is comfortable with several stylistic dressings such as the Motown classic "Neither One of Us Wants to Be the First to Say Goodbye," a Gladys Knight favorite. Anders seems to want to make this song one of her own. Lest things become depressed, Anders lets loose with a bubbly "It Might as Well Be Spring" with good solo work by the laid-back piano of Wayne De La Cruz. A rocking "Let the Good Times Roll" features the honking alto of Ylonda Nickell. Among the gaggle of first-rate tracks on this album is as touching a version of "Guess I'll Hang My Tears out to Dry" as one will encounter. She wrings every emotion inherent in the lyrics without becoming maudlin. There's nothing rushed, with creative vocal dynamics combining with faultless phrasing. She is well served throughout the session by a group of fine musicians who have room to display their jazz wares. Especially riveting is Jess Petty's flugelhorn on "A House Is Not a Home." This album is no amateur night production, but the product of a seasoned performer who knows exactly what to do to put over a song and goes about it without ever stumbling. Kudos to David Watson's Music in the Vines label for bringing Anders and other under recorded, but talented, artists to public attention. Highly recommended. ~ Dave Nathan, All Music Guide