Author Archives: Doug Boynton

About Doug Boynton

A little about me? Fair question. My name is Doug Boynton. I’ve worked around the broadcasting business most of my life, as a journalist - or selling the works of other broadcast journalists. I’m also an aspiring mystery writer. I get a few review discs now and then, but most of what gets reviewed…is stuff I’ve purchased, and yes - I’m more inclined to buy stuff I know I’ll like. But the ability to download an album for ten bucks at iTunes or listen to a whole album at Yahoo! Music late on a Friday night with a beer in my hand means I’m ready to take a chance - if not on love (way too much of that in my past), at least on a few tunes. Let’s be clear - I’m a consumer. I attempt to be an informed consumer, but I’m no expert on who played sax on what. I can just barely tell my Nelson Riddle from my Billy May, but I know what I like. And the things I like, I try to find out more about. What I do like are mostly straight-ahead standards backed by a small combo. But every once in a while (more often, now that I’ve taken to listening to BBC’s Radio Two over the Internet), something will come along and have me scrambling to find out more. With a few clicks these days, that itch can be easily satisfied. You don’t agree? It’s okay. More often than not, my wife doesn’t either. Remember, this is something I do for my own amusement and education, and opinions are like elbows. Everyone has at least one. Want to play nice, and try your hand at a thoughtful 300-500 word review of something I’ve missed? Want to file a dissent? That would be great! Send it here. I can’t afford to buy all the music I’d like. I have too many ex-wives out there already. I’ll pay you with the eternal thanks of a grateful nation - or at least those who read this. All I ask is that it’s a female vocalist you’re reviewing - solo or fronting a band, and that you’re willing to put your real name on the review. Thanks for stopping by this time.

Airmen of Note, and “In The Key Of L” – Lee Engele

(The Airmen of Note) tours the country often, and the performances are always free. If they’re performing near you, don’t miss ‘em. On Lee Engele: Lovable in its simplicity – and in its closeness. Ms. Engele’s winsome voice is never overpowering, she always sounds very near; this one is a nice change of pace, and highly recommended. Continue reading

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Long As You’re Living: Sophia Shorai

There’s nothing fancy here – no apparent recording tricks, no overdubs, no phony backup singers. It’s simply a piano – and well, quite a voice. It’s an impressive first outing, and is worthy of a highest recommendation. Continue reading

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Caravan – Lisa Engelken

…with the passion that Ms. Engelken brings to this project, I found unexpected gifts in giving “Caravan” the repeat listens I needed in order to anticipate the joy that lives in this recording. Ms. Engelken (says), “Singing is the most essential means for me to heal and to soothe myself, both physically, and psychologically. I need to sing.” I need to hear her sing, too. This recording is highly recommended. Continue reading

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Night Winds Whisper – Livia Devereux

She simply sparkles. Ms. Devereux is blessed with vocal power to spare, a way with a lyric, and a fabulous sense of timing that blends well with the core backing band…if the recording was vinyl, I’d be worried about wearing it out by now. Highest recommendation for this gem. Well done. Continue reading

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With Every Breath I Take – Kathryn Smith

A delicate soprano, Ms. Smith is best with the earnest ballads – such as “You Go To My Head,” which opens with a sparse guitar-only backing, and then opens up with Ed Xiques on sax noodling around, and then taking a stretch at the bridge. Highly recommended. Continue reading

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