JAZZ REVIEW : Laurel Masse Short on Individuality

Although years have slipped by since she left Manhattan Transfer, the “formerly with” subtitle remains the sole identification of Laurel Masse.

Her performance Friday at Lunaria’s offered little that has not been typical of her gigs: a hodgepodge of jazz, pop songs and the occasional novelty. In this last category was “Cow Cow Boogie,” which earned a big hand, perhaps on the strength of its new lease on life thanks to an airline commercial.

Masse tends at times to sing in such a dead-on-the-beat manner that all hope of swinging is abandoned. “I Fall in Love Too Easily” and “They Can’t Take That Away From Me” were straight pop renditions. Only “Paper Moon” and “Doddlin” were strictly jazz-oriented. The latter, taken directly from Annie Ross’ version of the Horace Silver song, with lyrics by Jon Hendricks, was notable for solos by Dean Rolando on piano and John Leitham on bass, who, with drummer Harold Mason, make up Masse’s excellent accompanying team.

Will Masse ever be able to shuck her “formerly with Manhattan Transfer” image? Not until she has found a stronger and more personalized sound and style.