Prompted by an idea from ACT label owner Siggi Loch, this outstanding new recording from Danish vocalist Cæcilie Norby celebrates women in jazz, bringing together a fabulous group of female instrumentalists from six different European countries and featuring a track-list of “beautiful songs written by significant female composers who have greatly influenced my musical growth”, as Norby puts it in the CD booklet. Standouts include a striking version of the Ann Ronell classic ‘Willow Weep For Me’, in a compelling arrangement by award-winning Danish composer, Peter Jensen. Norby’s take on ‘Droppin’ Things’, the title-track from Betty Carter’s Grammy-nominated 1990 live album, absolutely crackles with life, with fine soloing from pianist Rita Marcotulli and altoist Nicole Johänntgen, while Joni Mitchell’s ‘Man From Mars’ exudes a profound sense of loss and longing. Heard back to back, a brace of Norby songs – the pleasingly loping groove of ‘Naked In The Dark’ and the affecting ballad ‘First Conversation’ – showcase her own compositional strengths. The album reaches its high-water mark with a sorrowing take on Abbey Lincoln’s ‘Love Has Gone Away’ (another Jensen arrangement), performed with impeccable sensitivity by Norby and her musicians