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Singer Janis Siegel gets to bask in the best of both worlds. Over 30 years as a member of the Manhattan Transfer, she has helped to shape the future of vocal jazz. As a solo artist, she has an opportunity to follow her musical muses. This time around, with the able assistance of her old Atlantic Records producer pal Joel Dorn, she's recorded an homage to '50s and '60s organ jazz. Like the vinyl platters of the era, "Friday Night Special" was recorded in just two days. There's both an urgency and looseness here. Organist Joey DeFrancesco pilots everyone through the sessions but it's Siegel who takes the risks throughout. She scats, she swings and on "My Love/My Babe" even slips in an affectionate nod to Peggy Lee, who died before these sessions last year. On "My How the Time Goes By," she vocally "duets" with tenor saxophonist Houston Person. Even the closer manages to surprise. Segel and Co. tackle the Erroll Garner chestnut "Misty," and, four seconds into the ballad, Siegel shifts into overdrive, crea ting a 5:21 jam session. A worthy addition to anyone's Friday night.

-- Richard L. Eldredge

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