After her 'experiments' with big bands past year or so, it's great to hear Norma 'back' in the context of a small group. And what a group!!! Very exciting to hear her finally singing with Stan Tracey & tenor player Bobby Wellins. Very much an ensemble piece, if often subtle in the interaction, range and dynamics. But for me all the better for that. Nice combination of standards and 'new' works (mostly NW lyrics to some Tracey instrumentals, or instrumental pieces by Ellington, Monk, etc.). Large areas are left for instrumental development, and everyone rises to the occasion I think. Some may not like the fact her voice is textural sometimes with the instruments moved forward in the mix, her discordant touches, or the somewhat huskier conversational timbre Norma has going at times. But I think it works. They swing great, always on their own terms. Wellins adds some really thoughtful 'rhapsodic' aspects. Tracey & his trio very thoughtfully balance aspects drawn from Ellington/Strayhorn, Monk, maybe Lennie Tristano and Paul Bley, and yet sound very individual too. And for me it's great to hear Norma tackling songs like "Winter of My Discontent,' "I Walk a Little Faster," "Goodbye" or "Laura" which seem to suit her so. I find the phrasing exceptionally good, if certainly very individual. Nice moments given too to bassist Andrew Cleyndert (his duo with NW on "My Heart Stood Still" is a gorgeous highlight) and drummer Clark Tracey (fine subtle changes, but also an awareness & 'love' of straightforward swing and the 'true' beat). I'm not sure this is the Norma album I'd recommend first for listeners-- she has so many great ones, & of course her voice has changed some over the years-- but it grows on me with each listen: glorious stuff.