Something‘s going on over on the west coast where a bunch of jazz singers are suddenly struck with the Boswell Sisters. Lambeth is also a fan of that era. This is a dandily loping set that focuses on swing tunes from the 20s to the 40s and just hits you with that after hours vibe in such a smooth and easy way that it really sweeps you off your feet. With assured vocals that show an affinity for the form, Lambeth leads a crew of crack jazz hitters that are all on the same page in a set that has the kind of sound and feel of a cool, unexpected find you would find in a thrift store (not a used shop). Not off beat but delightfully off center. Not nostalgic, not retro, just really cool.

Jazz vocalist Dawn Lambeth specializes in singing the music of early swing jazz period and can be booked with the Usonia Jazz Band for professional outings from Paso Robles, California. With “Let’s Get Lost,“ Lambeth features popular songs of the Great American Songbook from the early Swing era, singing the music of such legendary composers as George and Ira Gershwin, Irving Berlin, Cole Porter, the Rodgers and Hart combo and many more. Altogether there are eighteen old time classics totaling 74 minutes plus of music.

This is clearly a special album that will appeal to audiences who can appreciate the classic swing music of a romantic by gone era with a perceived innocents not found in today’s modern music. Lambeth, described as having a “dark-toned alto” voice, is actually quite charming here and provides new reads on some very old and oft heard standards. She’s a graceful singer whose cool approach serves her well here. From Frank Loesser’s title song to Rodgers and Hart’s “Blue Room,” the repertoire includes “If You Were Mine,” “C’est Si Bon,” “They Can’t Take That Away from Me,” “It Could Happen To You,” “I Gotta Right to Sing the Blues” and “Let’s Misbehave” just to name a few.

The Lady is joined here by a light eight-man ensemble featuring drummer Jeff Hamilton, who also plays piano here, saxophonist John Smith, clarinetist Bob Reitmeier, the father and son team of Dave and Marc Caparone, Chris Dawson on the piano and rounding out the rhythm section, John Reynolds on guitar and Clint Baker on bass.

If renditions of early jazz and swing music are something that you enjoy, then Dawn Lambeth’s “Let’s Get Lost” will take you on a lovely journey to the music of the past and the foundations of jazz.

Dawn Lambeth, who earlier this year appeared at the Derby with an all-star group of swing and classic jazz players, is a cheerful 1920s/30s jazz singer. Her style is conversational and friendly, a bit like that of Maxine Sullivan. When she improvises notes or words, it sounds like a logical part of the song, an “improvement” that works. On Let’s Get Lost, she is assisted by a notable octet (clarinetist Bob Reitmeier, John Smith on alto and soprano, cornetist Marc Caparone, trombonist Dave Caparone, pianist Chris Dawson, guitarist John Reynolds, bassist Clint Baker and drummer Jeff Hamilton) that often makes the performances reminiscent of the early Billie Holiday records with Teddy Wilson. That connection is reinforced by Chris Dawson, who on this date generally sounds similar to Wilson, the relatively brief performances (no song lasts longer than 5:07), and the repertoire. While Lady Day never sang “Let’s Get Lost” or nearly half of the 18 songs, the style and frameworks are similar and just as rewarding. Historic models aside, Dawn Lambeth has her own approach to interpreting swing standards, she often includes the verses, and she clearly believes in the words and the timeless spirit of the music. ( Scott Yanow - LA Jazz Scene

"Wow! Wow! Triple wow for Dawn Lambeth. What a great album!"

"When I started playing cut one I realized what has been missing in most of the jazz-swing releases today....."rhythm guitar". This is the best CD I have heard in years. Dawn is SUPERB and this CD leads the pack. The song selection is excellent and her backing band is outstanding. I really enjoy listening to clarinet, cornet, piano, alto and even trombone solos with the vocalist instead of the usual tenor on every cut. This is what makes LET'S GET LOST a winner!"

Dawn Lambeth's new CD is a gem. . .with great songs, stylish singing and first rate musicianship! Kudos to all concerned.