Beginning as an Aretha Franklin clone, then sliding into her own soulful niche, graduating into contempoary pop and then moving into the rarified atmosphere of pop standards, Natalie Cole has repeatedly reinvented herself as an artist, with each incarnation upping the ante of quality and range. Now she's a jazz singer with a splendidly arranged and produced album propelled by a superior selection of songs which, though most are from the past, sound totally of today. She's savvy, she's wise, she's smart, she's sassy, she's smooth and once again she's moved forward. This splendid album will, by word of mouth, take in big sales and go on to garner big honors. Never standing still, never content to settle in one place, Natalie once again has charged ahead with dazzingly results.

Being a huge fan of Natalie Cole's but not a huge fan of jazz, I was sort of apprehensive about buying this cd. But, after one complete listen, I must say it is a joy. Her voice can be one part seductive, one part gritty, one part, playful, one part tearful....she is simple DIVINE! This is an album with very few fast paced songs....this one is one to listen to on a rainy day with a loved one and candles....to me all the songs are standouts in their own way! If you want to escape into her world...go for it! If you want all upbeat songs, this one may dissapoint you....

Shes back!! And in a great way! Ask A Woman Who Knows is an enjoyable assortment of jazzy songs and cool evening blends with images of swaying palms or high swing jazz clubs. Her duet with Diana Krall will be a new classic I think, what a perfect pair!!
My favorite tracks are Its Crazy, So Many Stars, Better than Anything, Tell Me All About It is very catchy, and the best one is Natalies rendition of My Baby Just Cares for Me. Her new home with Verve looks to be a promising and bright musical road ahead. If you enjoy upbeat jazz and romantic slow jazz then you will enjoy this. Like mentioned in the other review, the majority is more slow and rainy day material but there is enough upbeat to balence it out pretty well. Natalie sounds renewed and as sparkling as ever!

Like Madonna, Natalie Cole over the course of a highly-successful career has repeatedly reinvented herself. She started as an Aretha clone, quickly moved into her own stylish soul mode, transformed herself into a standard interpreter of the first rank and now she's a jazz singer. With each reinvention she has moved a step forward as a singer and here she is at the absolute best she's ever been, a groovy, knowing, sassy, at ease stylist. The material is first-rate; these are almost all old songs but none of them SOUND old. The album is totally contemporary, the arrangements absolutely sterling, the production perfect and Natalie is out in front a persuasive singer of great ease and warmth. Watch for this one to build big sales by word of mouth and garner critical acclaim and big honors. This woman knows!

Natalie Cole's wonderful work of soothing songs proves that she has reached a brilliant level of mature vocals. She vocally displays class and style with this album. Every song flows perfectly with the next. Produced by the illustrious Tommy LiPuma, what could be better?

"Tell Me All About It" has Joe Sample at the keyboards and John Pisano on guitar with Natalie cooing the lyrics. The title song "Ask A Woman Who Knows" is deliciously cool. "Better Than Anything" is a fun, clever, catchy duet with Diana Krall. They complement each other very well on this song. "The Music That Makes Me Dance" is a real treat. Natalie's vocal on "Calling You" is gorgeously haunting. The orchestrations on this collection are arranged by various persons and are absolutely superb. With the addition of Roy Hargrove on the trumpet, Christian McBride on the bass, and Lewis Nash on drums, you have first class musicians all the way!

It would seem that by the beautiful vocals and the photo spread included in the CD insert that Natalie Cole is very comfortable in her own skin. Subtle yet elegant, Natalie Cole brings a refined edge to jazz!