Looks like all those encores of "Over the Rainbow" are finally paying dividends. Much to everyone's suprise (riiiiight… ), America's operatic darling and the most famous soprano in the world, Renée Fleming, will be releasing a jazz album this spring. I know you're getting all worked up over her vocal style already. Girl, I know… I heard her here in Seattle last month, and there were more scoops than Baskin-Robbins. Hold on, though. It doesn't appear that this'll be a lamentable, ill-advised attempt at jazz by some rich girl from the nice side of the tracks. Fleming did occasional stints with a jazz trio when she was in college. In fact, she's even been quoted saying that she developed her chest tones from singing with the trio. And she's always saying in interviews that she adores Ella Fitzgerald and Sara Vaughn. Maybe she knows a thing or two. Let's hope so: the album (tentatively titled Haunted Heart… shudder), is scheduled to be released in May and will include tracks like Arthur Schwartz's "Haunted Heart," Joni Mitchell's "River," and a song by Mahler, transcribed for guitar (can I shudder again?). The album will also feature jazz pianist Fred Hersch and guitarist Bill Frisell. Worried about wiry high-note interpolations, à la the recent Kennedy Center Honors performance?

"It's intimate. I sing it an octave lower than I ever sing, as if I'm whispering in somebody's ear. It's going to be a surprise. A few people I've played it for had no idea it's me."

Shudder. EDIT: Please do not send me scat jokes.