JAZZ REVIEW : A Smoky Galloway Refines Her Act

Leata Galloway, who came to town in the early 1980s with the show “Sophisticated Ladies,” made her first Los Angeles-area appearance in four years with the Sunday opening at the Vine Street Bar & Grill.

In some respects there have been no changes: Her full, smoky sound remains intact, as does her exotic visual charm.

However, the somewhat excessive cabaret act overtones have receded; what Galloway now offers is a less pretentious, diversified show in which jazz standards and contemporary songs alternate, with a welcome closing lagniappe in the form of a blues.

She brings her own personality to the James Moody vocalese classic “Moody’s Mood for Love.” Latin rhythms underscored her medley of “I’ll Remember April” and “Smile.” An inventive touch was the surprising R&B; conversion of “Cry Me a River.”

For “I’m Sorry” and most of the other pop songs, she had the decorative assistance of Charlotte Crossley and Linda Lawley; however, as is too often the case with backup singers, they were put to unimaginative use, their roles largely confined to repeating the title or singing brief harmonized lines. Both are qualified artists who deserve better. Only on Galloway’s own song, “One Step at a Time,” were they employed effectively.

The instrumental accompaniment, adequate but hardly inspired, was provided by drums, electric bass and a pianist, Michael James, who doubled on guitar.

The two final numbers were the most soulful: an Aretha-like “You’d Better Watch Your Step” and the traditional “Stormy Monday.”

Galloway and friends close tonight.