Under My Hat Reviews

"A family who plays jazz together stays together, or so it seems from the family affair on Patty Carpenter's latest CD. One of the pleasant surprises on this album is that mother and daughter have their own quite distinctive and separately recognizable voice. No vocal cloning here. Patty Carpenter's is clearly horn-inflected, with a jazzy feel for the music. Daughter Melissa Shetler has more of a husky growl. These disparate sounds come together very well both when they solo and when they harmonize. One of the many exemplary tracks on the set is a raise-the-arms-and-voices-to-the-heavens version of Bobby Timmons' Moanin', with Melissa's dad, Scott Shetler playing a preacher testifying from his musical pulpit. Another fine cut is Glory of Love, with Shetler laying down some serious sax over which the jaunty vocals of mother and daughter ride. There's no jazz vocal style these two singers don't handle with ease and aplomb. A Latin version of Watch What Happens has the two weaving voices in, out, and around each other for some scintillating call-and-response harmonizing. The cleanly picked guitar of Draa Hobbs helps considerably on this track. They Can't Take That Away From Me conjures a small club setting with happy customers enjoying the music and ambience. This family obviously enjoys working together, as there's nothing stiff or reserved about the performances on this recommended album."

~ Dave Nathan, All Music Guide

"UNDER MY HAT is a highly likeable jazz entry, the vocals subtle and sultry, the music like sipping a nice glass full of Scotch, and the atmosphere filled to the brim with life. There are 12 songs on this CD collection. Among the songs are found "Careless Love," "Watch What Happens," "Glory of Love," "They Can't Take That Away From Me," "Under My Hat," and "All the Things You Are."

The jazz listening audience will like the warmth and life this CD collection shares in an entertaining, pleasant listening adventure. If you are looking for excellent jazz vocals, solid performances, and classic song stylings, give a listen to UNDER MY HAT.

This one is worth your time, and it is truly an enjoyable listening journey. Excellent vocals and performances on every song.

The performers shine on this collection, and "All the Things You Are" is but one of many fine jazz vocals discovered on UNDER MY HAT. Patty Carpenter and Melissa Shetler give perfect duets, and perfect solos. Jazz vocals at their best!"

~ Lee Prosser, Jazz Review.com