Barb Jungr – The Men I Love (Naim)
Released – May 11, 2010
I’m liking the idea of more contemporary material as part of the American songbook. So does Barb Jungr. “There is a body of great work which sits for me right inside the classic Great American Songbook,” she writes in the publicity sheet, “where songs both stand the test of time and also are able to be re-imagined…”
We’ve talked about this concept in this space before. Christopher Loudon makes an impassioned call for songbook expansion in a recent Jazz Times piece.
Turning pop music into classics has been a staple of Ms. Jungr’s work for some time, but never quite as far as she does on this disc. Ms. Jungr – a master craftsman at interpreting lyrics – puts these songs into another space entirely.
The style is powerful and raw, especially on the ballads. And it’s surprising to me which tracks have been turned into ballads. You haven’t heard “I’m A Believer” like this before. Ever.
Other favorites included Paul Simon’s “My Little Town,” and (even I was surprised) Jimmy Webb’s “Wichita Lineman.”
The idea was hatched as a “something different” for a cabaret show at the Carlyle, in New York. The show won great reviews. The disc is no less.
This past week, as I was rooting around for stuff I love that fell off the iPod, I ran across Karen Johns and Company – I loved their stuff a couple of years ago, and said so. Anyway, I’ve dusted off that disc and have been enjoying it a lot. Then a note from publicist pal, Kari, pointed me to Ms. Johns’ YouTube version of one of the tracks from that disc. I enjoyed it. I’ll bet you do, too.
I’m sitting here on a Saturday night, glass of wine in hand, listening to Tony Bennett and k.d. lang. I gave a long thought to buying the 25-year retrospective album of hers, out this month, “Recollection.”
Truth is, I don’t need it. I’ve been loving Kathryn Dawn’s stuff for most of those 25 years, and I already own most of the tracks that are on the new disc. There may be “remixes,” and such, but I don’t need ‘em. From the day I heard the first 30 seconds of ”Constant Craving,” I was in love.
And there’s none better than the unlikely combination of Tony Bennett and k.d. on this disc. Mr. Bennett told NPR in 2002 his ears “…went not only to the melody but the harmony and k.d. has that wonderful gift. The minute she hears a song, she could sing the harmonies and the right notes to blend with the melody.”
Ms. lang’s body of work is sublime. It’s a “desert isle” disc. If I had to pick 10 to last me the rest of my life, this would be one, sight unseen.
That’s all. If Ms. lang’s work is new to you, you’ll want the retrospective.
I’m sure it’s highly recommended. I don’t need the new disc…all these songs have already been part of the soundtrack of my life.
After reviewing their work, I’ve added two new artists to the current heavy rotation playlist on my iPod: Kristine Mills and Tanja Maritsa. But that got me thinking about other artists you may never have heard – whose material is still on my personal ”A” list, and who deserve to be on yours. These are artists who are often big deals in their hometowns, but for whatever reason, you won’t find their discs in the racks at Target, or the local Borders. In most cases, you’ll find ‘em at iTunes, CD Baby and Amazon. In a couple of cases, you’ll find freebies online at their website.
Besame Mucho – Laura Coyle Ms. Coyle (left) is another of those who understands the package, top to bottom. She’s an artist and illustrator, whose work you’ve probably seen a hundred times – ironically, in the racks at Target, but in the racks with with greeting cards and birthday notions.
But she’s also a heckuva singer.
This is one of my favorite tracks from her self-titled 2008 debut recording. It not only includes her fine singing, but also a nice trumpet solo by Melvin Jones in the middle. She plays several dates a month in her native Atlanta. I never get tired of this track, or the disc.
Hold Tight – Sister Swing From Sacramento, Sister Swing is a close-harmony group that includes Leigh Hannah, Valerie Marston and Paula Chafey-Merrill, who (as their bio goes) got together following a performance with the Nelson Riddle Orchestra in 1996. This track is their cover of the Andrews Sisters’ 1939 version, which (according to Wikipedia) peaked at #2 on the charts. I love the Andrews Sisters, but I like this one better. It was a serendipitous discovery – one of those link to a link to a link things. Score.
Caravan – Connie Evingson
Minneapolis-based, this track is from Ms. Evingson’s 2004 disc, “Gypsy In My Soul.” Truth is, there are a couple of other cuts from this disc in the heavy playlist, as well…but I only had 13 slots here. She’s been prolific in her output of recordings – every one shows a little different side – from playful to heartbreaking ballads. This is one of the warmer outings, and frankly – my favorite.
Cheek To Cheek – Christine Rosholt
Also Minneapolis-based, I thought Ms. Rosholt (right) was great on her debut album, “Detour Ahead.” But this one – “Lipstick, Live at the Dakota,” is even better. She’s looser here, I think – and the interaction with the band and the audience only adds to it all. I’m not usually a fan of live recordings, but the winsome Ms. Rosholt pulls it off nicely.
Night and Day – Karen Johns and Company This is from the album, “Stars and Seasons,” originally reviewed in 2008, Ms. Johns has one of the best life stories I’ve ever read. And the nicely-swinging music she and her band makes is top notch. Hails from Franklin, Tennessee. It’s near Nashville. I had to look it up.
Some Other Time – Jesse Palter From her “Beginning to see The Light” album, this Detroit-area native’s disc was a gift from my pal, Millie. And while the credits on the disc list Sammy Cahn and Jule Styne, it actually appears this one is a version penned by Betty Comden, Adolph Green and Leonard Bernstein for the 1944 Broadway Musical, “On The Town.” Ms. Palter’s youthful voice is a gift – to her, and to me. Pianist Mike Jellick sets the mood superbly.
Won’t Get Fooled Again – Wave Mechanics Union
This group of Indianapolis-area jazz and concert musicians made an outstanding choice in Lydia McAdams as their singer on their “Second Season” disc. Or perhaps she chose them. Either way, I’ve raved abouther singing before, and probably will again. Versatile, powerful. Whenever I’m low on energy, I punch this one up.
Too Close For Comfort – Airmen of Note The Airmen of Note are (is?) the jazz big band of the US Air Force. They play a lot around the DC area; this is from a 1999 recording, “Invitation,” which featured arrangements by people like Tommy Newsome and Bob Florence. Master Sergeant Tracey Wright fronted the band during this period, and she’s in top form on this recording. She’s now working in the DC area. Sure wish I could find more from her.
By the way, many of the “Airmen of Note” recordings are available online – start here. After all, you paid for it. Another vocalist with the band more recently, Paige Wroble, is also top notch.
Irene Atman – Summer Me, Winter Me From Ms. Atman’s first album, this became the definitive version for me, replacing Barbra Streisand. Ms. Atman’s best on the songs that need a quiet interpretation; never better than on this. Another who understands it all – from talent, to the backing band, to the packaging. Yes, there’s some advertising/marketing in her background. Splits her time between Toronto and New York, with (seems to me) annual trips to Asia, where by all accounts, they love her work. No wonder. Me, too.
Beyond The Sea – Carol Welsman
Very well known in her native Canada – Juno nominated! – Ms. Welsman now lives in Los Angeles, and like Sophie Milman, could use a little more publicity south of the border. This is from a 1996 recording, “Inclined.” Ms. Welsman is a pianist, as well as a singer. Her new “I Like Men” tribute to Peggy Lee is aces. So is this track.
You Go To My Head – L’Tanya Mari’
Another DC-area singer, Ms. Mari’s youthful voice is joined perfectly here with guitarist Paul Wingo, who has a nice solo in the middle. Ms. Mari’ is a Philadelphia native, who not only performs in the DC area, but she’s a music educator, as well. Not only my favorite from her “A Teardrop Of Sun” recording, but (from her notes), her favorite, as well.
On A Clear Day (You Can See Forever) – Nancy Harms
The final Minneapolis (what’s in the water?) native in this group, I think this one is going to be in the rotation for a while. I continue to be more impressed with Ms. Harms’ work on this recording every time I listen. Nice to see from her website that she’s staying busy. I don’t wonder. Speak Low – Catherine Carraway
Sort of a mystery woman to me. From the Charlottesville, Virginia, area according to her website, where she offers a couple of full-length mp3s, including this one. The track is hauntingly beautiful; the website hasn’t been updated in a while. The last performance listed was years ago, and a “hey, I’m writing a little something about this song” e-mail has (so far) gone unanswered. I play this track often. Not available anywhere else, to my knowledge, except free at Ms. Carraway’s website.
There are plenty of others – this is really the tip of the iceberg. I’m blessed by having good friends (and more than a few kind publicists) who know of my tastes in music, and help feed it.
I mentioned that Carol Welsman is much better known in her native Canada – here’s a clip from a 2006 CBC Television piece – a duet with legend Herbie Hancock:
This past week, the Washington, DC area got something approaching 50 inches of snow in some spots. I measured about 40 inches outside the back door. Work was called off for four and a half days. We survived. I found time to get back into the writing groove. And to listen to good music.
Kristine Mills – Bossanovafied
Released – April, 2009
Kristine Mills gets it. She understands the whole package – the considerable talent it takes to get one of these off the ground.
Let’s start with the material – eight tracks, written with a little serendipity from a life “interesection” with two poets. Original material, that has that knack of making the music sound like you’ve heard it before. And, your mind says, when you heard it before – you liked it.
So Ms. Mills’ vocal ability is more than “a way with a lyric,” it’s an immersion into material that she owns, not something someone else built. This is her intimate familiarity with lyrics that become almost instantly familiar inside your head. This isn’t mouthing words. It’s knowing not only what you can do, but also what you can’t. This is considerable vocal talent.
With a little chutzpah that led to some of the arrangements, by Brazilian pianist Paolo Midosi. Ms. Mills says, “I met this classic bossa nova pianist, writer and arranger (performing at a club) in Rio…it was instant chemistry. I found the courage to ask to sit-in after the show…we agreed to meet in Rio the following year to record my songs as bossa novas and sambas. Bassist Haroldo Cazes adds some arragnements as well. So, add a quartet that manages to sound bigger than four guys, with arrangements that pull it all together (Bossa and Samba) with Brazilian polish.
And cover art that pops – no, screams, “Pay attention, there’s something important, here.”
That doesn’t all come together by chance. So when I say there’s talent here, there’s also the talent to pull it all together. And yes, there’s more than a little marketing in Ms. Mills’ background.
It shows. So does her talent.
Lots and lots of talent. Ms. Mills spent time as a guest vocalist with the Duke Ellington Orchestra, performing in Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, Brazil at the Brazilian International Jazz Festival in 2007. One Houston Chronicle blogger calls Ms. Mills “Houston’s Jazz Darling.”
This is a third recording for Ms. Mills, who offers more than a little taste of her considerable talent at her website. Do a little poking around, and you’ll find some keepers, starting here.
Another plug for great cover art. It’s curb appeal. It’s what grabs me (or anyone else who’s interested in your music) and commands that first look. Kudos here to photog Mike Frost at SLFEMP for the shots, and Sloan Designs for the layout. Other photos, like the one above, from Morris Malakof. Take a look at some his work here. Talent has to extend to the package, as well. If you don’t have it, hire it. If you’re not spending a buck or two for good art, you’re wasting money on the rest of the effort. It’s that first impression that counts.
Sade – Soldier Of Love (Sony) Released – February 9, 2010
Whether foreground or background, Ms. Adu’s stuff is always listenable; this one – first in ten years, and only the sixth in 25 – is no exception. This is a welcome addition to the Sade collection, making up in quality what it may lack in quantity. The title track was the first released a couple of months ago. It’s clearly the star in this bunch, but there are several tracks of follow-up caliber, including “The Moon And The Sky,” which is the lead-in to “Prisoner,” and has the same anthemic groove.
“Babyfather” settles into a nice reggae beat and a message about 45 seconds in, and several tracks have a nice time-machine to the 80s kind of sound. Seriously, there’s nothing wrong with that; it’s very nearly musical comfort food, and a little of that can go a long way. This one marks a triuphant return for Ms. Adu and her band, topping Billboard’s Album Chart in its first week of release.
Reviews of female vocal artists along with rambles about travel here and there and rants about whatever moves me. Depending on a lot of things, I really try to update fortnightly (or so).
Barb Jungr – The Men I Love (Naim)
