Renee Olstead CD

In a bold move that even more experienced singers might think twice about, Renee Olstead opens her self-titled major-label debut with a stark, a cappella verse of Gershwin's melancholy classic "Summertime." Olstead sings with confidence and swings with authority on this set of standards, an astonishing accomplishment for a young lady, who, at the time of this recording, was only 14 years old. Very little indicates that this album is the work of a teenager, and certain vocal touches even bring to mind the bold vocal style of K.D. Lang. The record features big-band arrangements with lush strings, punchy horns, and even a quasi-Swingle Singers backdrop on "On a Slow Boat to China." Chris Botti provides sexy trumpet obbligato on two numbers, and Peter Cincotti joins Olstead on a stellar duet of Neil Sedaka's "Breaking Up Is Hard to Do," rounding out a remarkable first outing by a notable talent.

Recording information: Henson Recording Studios, Hollywood, CA; Signet Sound Studios, Los Angeles, CA; Westlake Audio, Hollywood, CA.

Arrangers: Carol Weisman; Fred Norman; John Clayton; Oscar Castro-Neves; Billy Childs Trio.

Guests:Peter Cincotti,Chris Botti,Carol Welsman

Personnel: Reneé Olstead (vocals); Carol Weisman (vocals); Dean Parks (guitar, acoustic guitar); Don Shelton (clarinet, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone); Don Shelton (alto saxophone, tenor saxophone); Warren Luening (trumpet); Alan Broadbent, Billy Childs, Billy Childs Trio, Gerald Clayton (piano); Brian Bromberg (bass instrument); Jeff Hamilton , David Tull (drums); Neil Devor (programming); Peter Cincotti (vocals, piano); Dennis Budimir (guitar); Chris Botti, Rick Baptist (trumpet); Chris Dawson (piano); Joe La Barbera, Vinnie Colaiuta (drums).

Audio Mixer: Humberto Gatica.