Lady Sings the Blues, Vol. 2: After Hours (CD) by Various Artists

0724357145923. New condition. CD. This third volume in the Liberty/Capitol series features a similar title and cover to a previous collection from 2004, which provokes the thought that there is too little attention being paid by the label (and its parent, EMI) to this excellent series of vocal jazz standards. The brief track listing is also less than impressive, and the opener -- a version of "At Last" with Lou Rawls and Dianne Reeves -- only furthers the thought that this is a substandard collection. It does pick up slightly, though, paced by a trio of classics that skate the edge of torch song vocals and earthy R&B -- "Save Your Love for Me" by Nancy Wilson with Cannonball Adderley, "Time Is On My Side" by Irma Thomas, and "Hurt" by Timi Yuro. As with previous volumes, the after-hours vibes and smoky performances match the mood of a torch song exactly, but there's simply not enough great music on this disc to recommend it. ~ John Bush, Rovi