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Album Reviews
Carmen McRae made many worthwhile albums during her long career, but this session of mostly melancholy ballads never received the exposure it deserved, possibly because it was done for Mort Fega's small independent label, Focus. But the singer, who is in top form throughout the date, responds beautifully to pianist Norman Simmons' well-crafted charts; the rest of the cast includes drummer Curtis Boyd; bassist Victor Sproles; and a last minute but valuable substitute, guitarist Mundell Lowe. Her dramatic lagging behind the beat in "The Meaning of the Blues" adds to its appeal. "Spring Can Really Hang You Up the Most" is the only extended piece and was already a regular part of her repertoire by the time of this recording, so her effortless take is no surprise. McRae was an excellent pianist and accompanies herself on the defiant "I'm Gonna Laugh You Right Out of My Life." Duke Ellington's meditative "Come Sunday" provides a ray of hope among the otherwise bittersweet songs on this CD. Fortunately, Koch had the wisdom to reissue this lost treasure, and it easily ranks among Carmen McRae's best recordings. ~ Ken Dryden, All Music Guide
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My Delirium LadyHawke |
| Pip Brown a.k.a. Ladyhawke is a Kiwi born, Aussie based and, thanks to her timely 80's revivalism, Shoreditch adopted singer who started a solo career after many indie ventures, launched through the always trendy Modular stable. Her album, one of the most accomplished debuts of the year, distils big love for synth-pop in each and every cut and has earned her widespread critical acclaim. It was previewed by a couple of trendy bar favourites, "Paris is burning" and "From dusk til dawn" and offers many other excellent moments to discover. Third single "My Delirium" is a little pop-rock gem, nicely revisiting new wave era style. It could have been taken off one of Kim Wilde's early albums and hopefully will be the one that wins over the general public. | |
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