Any new album by the great Tina May is to be welcomed, but this latest release is something very special indeed. It's a 12-track collection of songs associated with some of the world's greatest jazz divas, including Peggy Lee, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan and Billie Holiday. Kicking proceedings off in brilliant fashion with the classic blues ‘Why Don't You Do Right?’, the singer gives a masterclass in storytelling: from the understated contemplation of George Handy's ‘Forgetful’ and the bittersweet life remembered of ‘When The World Was Young’ to the metaphysical musings of ‘Baltimore Oriole’ and the fairytale romance of ‘Let's Get Lost’. The musicianship really is top notch throughout, from the expert rhythm section of pianist John Pearce, bassist Andrew Cleyndert and drummer Bobby Worth, to the fine soloing of trumpeter Freddie Gavita, trombonist Adrian Fry, guitarist Dave Cliff, altoist Bob Martin and arranger, tenor saxist and clarinetist Frank Griffith. For any aspiring jazz singer, this should be compulsory listening.