“LIVE JAZZ.” Nancy Kelly. Amherst 93317. In...

“LIVE JAZZ.” Nancy Kelly. Amherst 93317. In an interesting debut, Kelly sings nine pop/jazz standards to a background that’s mainly jazz with touches of fusion. She’s best on such ballads as “Lover Man,” weakest when her intonation falters on the up tempos. On “Twisted,” she distorts Wardell Gray’s melody, then lapses into a meaningless monologue and senseless scatting. Worst, on “Yesterdays,” she mangles the inviolable Jerome Kern line in the second eight bars. Why didn’t producer Jeff Tyzik spot this? Ernie Watts’ sax solos are extensive and valuable. Using her range and power to its full potential, Kelly could be a singer to watch. 2 1/2 stars.