by Ken DrydenMany jazz critics have gotten rather cynical hearing new CDs by unfamiliar female vocalists, since there seems to be a disproportionate number of them and far too many are not worth hearing. Fortunately, Melissa Morgan's debut for Telarc exudes both confidence and skill in her interpretations of both standards and rarely heard gems, backed by a strong, young rhythm section anchored by pianist Gerald Clayton and guitarist Randy Napoleon. Her insistent take of Louis Jordan's "Is You Is or Is You Ain't My Baby" pulses with energy, then she follows it up with a delightfully swinging and expressive take of "Until I Met You" (a vocal version of "Corner Pocket," which rhythm guitarist Freddie Green wrote for Count Basie), featuring a crisp understated solo by rising young trumpeter Christian Scott in a potent chart by trombonist Francisco Torres, who also appears on the track. Morgan's sassy take of the blues "Cool Cool Daddy" is equally convincing. As for standards, take your pick: Morgan's bluesy, slowly savored treatment of "The More I See You" and playful, expressive interpretation of "A Sleepin' Bee" bring new life to these old chestnuts. This is an encouraging beginning for Melissa Morgan.