Vocalist Nicki Allan somehow manages to squeeze in time for her jazz sextet in between her roles as a senior lecturer in vocal studies at Leeds College of Music, a voice coach at the Royal Northern College of Music and a visiting lecturer at both Chester and Manchester universities. And on the evidence of this 13-track album, her second with the sextet, we have a lot to be thankful for. An LCM graduate herself, Allan has worked in pop, jazz and musical theatre, and her versatility and vocal control means that she can really deliver at any tempo and in any style. With five top-class musicians providing the stylish accompaniments, opener ‘Almost Like Being In Love’ sets the impeccably high standard from which the album never deviates. The Previn-penned title track and Bob Dorough's ‘Devil May Care’ are especially fine, while two original songs – ‘Working It Out’ (cast in a swinging 5/4) and the ballad ‘Better Days’ – confirm that Allan's no slouch in the composition department either. If you haven't acquainted yourself with Nicki Allan, then I would urge you to check out this fabulous CD.