JAZZ / ALBUM REVIEWS

MADELINE EASTMAN “Point of Departure” Mad Kat

All the elements fall into place on what should become a classic: singer, repertoire and back-up band--a quartet with Tom Harrell (trumpet) and Mike Wofford (piano). Eastman deals sensitively with the Brazilian “Little Boat,” scats (and adds her own lyrics) to Joe Henderson’s “Inner Urge,” overdubs herself on Bobby Hutcherson’s “Little B’s Poem” and revives a poignant Billie Holiday vehicle, “No More.” On “I Only Have Eyes for You,” she plays witty games with tempo, meter and phrasing--at one point turning it into Charlie Parker’s “Scrapple From the Apple”--and closes with “Calling You,” the lovely theme from the film “Bagdad Cafe.” If you can’t find this gem, try the label: Box 253, San Francisco 94101-9991.