There seems to me to be three qualities that come together to make “The High Life” an exceptional album and The Puppini’s Sisters’ best yet. Marcella Puppini’s sublime arrangements are better than ever, across a wide range of songs, none better than her self penned “Is this the High Life?”. Whatever your mood, it will be lifted by this delightful and sparkling opening to the album. My personal favourite, “Accentuate the Positive” builds on the joy as Marcella enables the three distinct characters of Emma, Kate and Marcella herself to shine through, building up energy as they draw from one another. The album includes wonderful arrangements from songs as different as ‘Material Girl’, ‘Changes’ and ‘Rappers Delight’ mixed with the pacey ‘We love to Bebop’ and the achingly beautiful ‘Tennessee Waltz’ featuring the extraordinary close harmonies the girls generate. If you’ve not bought a Puppini Sisters album (shame on you) - start here. If you’ve heard ‘Betcha Bottom Dollar’ or ‘The fall and rise of Ruby Woo’ then you’re in for a treat - the addition of Emma Smith has only added to the quality of the harmonies. If you’re a fan, then try the deluxe album, and you can also enjoy the radically different remixes on the second CD. Better still, treat yourself also to their individual albums and you’ll understand how their personalities draw together to such wonderful effect. Marcella’s solo album “Everything is Beautiful” is an explosion of fun on a disc. All original songs, it ranges widely from the RAP duet “The Greatest” with The Rugged Man”, to the joy of “Boom Boom” and “Betty Boop”. There’s no weak songs on this album, though I could do with a translation of my favourite, “Non Sai O Mai Doris Day”! There’s a theme to Marcella’s albums. The other I own is “Born Beautiful”. It is a well chosen theme. Marcella, and her music, are, simply, beautiful. Kate Mullins and Will Bartlett have succeeded in producing a deeply sensitive, hauntingly romantic and personal album in “Between us”. In songs such as “What are you doing New Year’s Eve”, Kate’s smooth and sultry voice homes in on the listener and leaves you believing she is singing to you personally. Raglan Road is a highlight. With songs such as “St James Infirmary Blues” her voice grows with power and purpose. Better than Elvis? Just listen to “Love me Tender”. The real treasure is her self penned “Dear Little Heart”. This album will become a highlight in any collection. Who is the most talented Jazz singer of this generation? Step forward Emma Smith. Emma is Jazz royalty, influenced by her grandfather and the artists around Ronnie Scott’s. Her voice is extraordinary in range and emotion, and on her album “The Huntress”, she shows her prowess as a songwriter too. You’ll come to this album listening to her rendition of “Old Devil Moon”, but become hooked by “Stolen Child”, “I’ll be seeing you” or “Don’t worry bout me”. Now no Jazz collection can be complete without Emma Smith.