Poetry Man - QUEEN LATIFAH

Queen Latifah's second album of jazz, soul and blues standards, "Trav'lin Light," is a marvelous sonic achievement, recorded with such satiny care and class that it seems a crime that anyone might belittle the listening experience with an MP3 player or computer. These songs are meant to be savored with a creamy merlot, the soft glow of moonlight—and full illuminated surround sound. First single is a cover of Phoebe Snow's "Poetry Man," produced with understated precision by Geffen chief Ron Fair and featuring piano by Joe Sample. Latifah's vocal delivery is a rare thing of beauty, radiantly soft and yet playfully caressing, with lush harmonies that smolder the arrangement like expensive perfume. A loving achievement that pacifies the simmering world, if but for five minutes. —Chuck Taylor