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This recording features Ericka with pianist Larry Eanet; guitarist Paul Pieper, bassist Tommy Cecil and Harold Summey on drums. Together these fine musicians provide the perfect setting for a vocal gem.

Washington Post Review:

ERICKA OVETTE
"Some Enchanted Evening"
Independent

In the liner notes accompanying her new CD "Some Enchanted Evening" singer Ericka Ovette lists some of the jazz vocalists who have enchanted her day in and day out. The honor roll includes Ella Fitzgerald, Shirley Horn, Carmen McRae and Johnny Hartman -- good company, indeed--and not least, Sarah Vaughan, arguably Ovette's greatest inspiration.

What Ovette learned from listening to these vocalists seems apparent throughout the 11 performances on her new disc. Or perhaps it's simply that Ovette is a born storyteller with innate good taste. In either case, she always sounds fully engaged with the lyric at hand, and as for the tunes, a collection of familiar and not so familiar pieces composed by the likes of Cole Porter ("Just One of Those Things"), Billy Strayhorn ("My Little Brown Book") and Rodgers and Hammerstein ("It Might as Well Be Spring"), they're nearly always worthy of the attention she gives them. She's particularly expressive when interpreting romantic ballads, such as the Strayhorn contribution or the Bricusse/Newley musing "Look at That Face," when the mood is dreamy and the tone rather Vaughan-like. The rythmically buoyant tracks, including "I Whistle a Happy Tune," which boasts a Latin twist, are charmers too, enlivened by pianist Larry Eanet's expert touch.

In addition to Eanet's always welcome presence, Ovette's interpretations are consistently enhanced by guitarist Paul Pieper, bassist Tommy Cecil and drummer Harold Summey Jr. Uncluttered and yet frequently punctuated by a lyrical or swinging solo, the arrangements often suit the singer and the songs to perfection.

Mike Joyce
Washington Post
April 19, 2002