Tahna Running - Time For Love (2003)

Time for LoveIt's clear from the first note of Tahna Running's American debut CD, Time For Love, that she isn't your run-of-the-mill twenty-first century singer. Just as dipping one's foot into a pool doesn't qualify as swimming, putting a couple of jazz songs on a pop CD doesn't create a jazz singer. Time for Love is a full roster of standards that was recorded in one take, with no rehearsals. Most of the pieces are duets with Running and pianist Hugo Fatturoso; father and son percussionists Hector and Arturo Prendez join in on a few others. Standout songs on this disc include a Latin arrangement of "Lover Man," where the Prendezes make their first appearance and Fatturoso scats along with the notes he's playing, a la George Benson, during his solo. "The Sun Died" is an aching ballad of loss which Running sings with palpable pain in her voice. "Star Dust," with its lengthy prelude and overall structure, fits Running's singing style like a glove. The final tune, Leon Russell's "A Song For You," is a mission statement, a confession, a tip of the cap to the listener, and a perfect end.
Running's primary influence is clearly Sarah Vaughan, and she uses the same sultriness in the lower register, though she's tremulous and slightly strident on the higher notes. Fattoruso is an outstanding pianist, his wordless vocalizing highlighting a few of the tunes. The Prendezes provide a solid pulse. Considering that they were operating without a net, the end result is quite good.

Tracks:
01. Tahna Running - A Time For Love (6:40)
02. Tahna Running - I'm Beginning To See The Light (3:21)
03. Tahna Running - You Don't Know What Love Is (5:07)
04. Tahna Running - Loverman (5:52)
05. Tahna Running - Prelude To A Kiss (5:14)
06. Tahna Running - Sweet Pumpkin (2:29)
07. Tahna Running - The Sun Died (3:39)
08. Tahna Running - I Can't Give You Anything But Love (3:56)
09. Tahna Running - I Should Care (6:26)
10. Tahna Running - Night & Day (4:40)
11. Tahna Running - Moon Glow (3:21)
12. Tahna Running - I Didn't Know What Time It Was (2:55)
13. Tahna Running - Star Dust (5:55)
14. Tahna Running - A Song For You (4:45)