Softly

by Scott Yanow Dakota Staton has long been a fine jazz singer who is at her best on blues and standards. Usually her ballad renditions make for a fine contrast, but this out-of-print LP is a bit of a disappointment. Staton is backed by strings, flutes, French horns, a harp and a rhythm section arranged by Benny Carter. Unfortunately, the strings often weigh down the music, and the worst aspects of Staton's singing are often emphasized with exaggerated emotions, a touch too much vibrato and a sameness to many of her interpretations. The dozen songs mostly stick to older standards and are not completely without merit -- Dakota Staton's fans will want it anyway, but she is represented by much more exciting performances elsewhere.