On her latest CD, “Fun Out of Life”, April Hall revitalizes the classic jazz standard, creating music that’s alive with energy and attitude. From subtly nuanced ballads to soul-drenched blues, the emotional power of her delivery is perfectly framed by the elegant simplicity of her arrangements. Hall’s performance is deeply personal on “I’ve Got the World on a String” and unapologetically swinging on “Foolin’ Myself”. She sings Jimmy Rushing’s “Boogie Woogie Blues” with an authentic southern swagger, and gives an unforgettably sultry rendition of Percy Mayfield‘s protest song “Please Send Me Someone to Love” (featuring New Orleans saxophonist Amadee Castenell, of Allen Toussaint and Elvis Costello). Add to these stunning vocals a stellar ensemble that organically follows the lead of Hall’s exquisite phrasing, and you can be sure that this collection of great American songs will provide any lover of vocal jazz with a great deal of “Fun Out of Life”!