2003 was a great year for female sax players, with returning after a four-year hiatus, revitalizing with , and , a sensual label debut by one of the more underrated performers on the smooth groove scene, . is known for its picture-perfect radio hits, and kindly obliges her label with some instantly kick-back and likeable tracks right off the bat. Yet as nice, catchy, and easy grooving as and are, there's a sense that is holding back just a bit. Ditto the kindly, sweet-talking which is one of three songs written by labelmate saxman and very much in tune with his sweet, smoky style. eventually lets loose, however, and the heavier grooves of stimulate some more aggressive playing, backed by some snazzy horns and a dreamy retro vibe. Even more fun but probably too intense for radio is her slamming, slightly bluesy crunch- take on 's gives her a quick-rolling challenge on the closer, which she more than accepts with constantly powerful bursts of energy. The label also cleverly pairs her with another label great, keyboardist , whose optimistic keys play off ' cool perfectly. Overall, it's a perfectly balanced disc, but listeners who are seduced by the cool might find a more perfect love by the fire. ~ Jonathan Widran