At Steamers (L-R): Kevin Kanner, Ruan McGillicuddy, Annie Sellick and Eli Brueggemann (Photo: Glenn Mitchell)

Her trio backing her this night: Pianist, Eli Brueggemann; bassist, Ryan McGillacuddy; and drummer, Kevin Kanner. These guys worked unbelievably well together, starting off the evening by playing ever-popular jazz standard, Herbie Hancock’s “Dolphin Dance.”

Sellick began her set with “It Might As Well Be Spring.” The audience was taken with her, especially with her natural stage present. She not only sings very well, but entertains them in her sultry style and keeps their attention throughout her show. A highlight of the set was her rendition of “I’ve Got the World on a String.” Her pianist for this evening, Brueggemann, provides some super sharp playing and arranging talents and along with her two strong sidemen, gave a “knock-out” backing. He also had a splendid arrangement for Sellick singing “Besame Mucho.” Bassist McGillicuddy’s solo shined beyond compare.

Annie Sellick now has her third CD out, entitled A Little Piece of Heaven. She, of course, performed songs from it during the entire Steamers show. Songs continuing the set were “Avalon” (on which she did some up-top scatting), “Honeysuckle Rose,” “I’m Always Drunk in San Francisco,” “Where Is Love” (a lovely ballad from Oliver) and "Mambo Italiano,” ending a terrific set.

During the second set, Sellick did something quite unusual and dedicated four somewhat obscure tunes to a writer/critic friend, Roger Crane: “I’m Going to Laugh You Right Out of My Life,” “I’d Know You Anywhere,” “I Never Had the Blues Before,” and a piano/vocal version only of “May I Come In.” Crane has reviewed her before and also writes periodically for this publication [LA Jazz Scene]. He is known as the “Song Scout.” He had asked Sellick sometime back to perform these songs and she did tonight, even though he was not at this particular show.

Continuing during the show was a rollicking version of “Devil May Care,” starting with a drum/percussion riff with Sellick only, followed with a piano/bass riff coming into full play. This was one the best numbers of the night. Kanner performed an unusual drumming solo and was given a huge round of audience applause. Brueggemann and Sellick did a splendid piano/vocal duet on “Gee Baby, Ain’t I Good to You.” Everything she touched this evening held the audience very close. Among finishers of the last set were: “L-O-V-E,” “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” “Cloudburst ", and Annie Sellick's own composition, "There's a Window.” Visit her informative website and look for another return engagement soon: www.anniesellick.com. Recommended.

Reprinted with permission from LA Jazz Scene (June 2007). Glenn Mitchell is a bassist and frequent writer for LA Jazz Scene.