The discs have been piling up during this little hiatus, and for that I apologize. No excuses. Sorry about that.
But you ask, “What aroused you from your reverie?”
Fair question.
Stuff like this:
Jennifer Zarine – Fresh Made Cuppa Tea
Released – March 23, 2010
So many sound so alike in this genre – that’s not the case here. A saucy romp through standards both old and new, Jennifer Zarine displays not only her theatre background, but the rare ability to dial it back for the recording studio without losing the emotion.
Covering a lot of territory, from the Nat King Cole classic “Orange Colored Sky,” to Mick Jagger’s “Paint It Black,” Ms. Zarine and the guys manage to put their own stamp on this material, and stand out from that crowd.
The “guys” include Ben Gallina on bass, Brady Miller on drums, Eric Lindberg guitar, Eric Stephenson on cello, Josh Rutner on sax, and Red Wierenga on keyboards – including an accordion. Mr. Rutner’s background work on “Paint It Black” had me following him instead of the vocal for a while – it’s that good; and Mr. Wierenga has a nice turn on the medley, “Smile-I’m All Smiles.”
Other favorites include “Bye Bye Baby,” and Smokey Robinson’s “The Way You Do The Things You Do.”
The lullaby “Sleep,” is an original penned by Ms. Zarine that fits nicely with this group of eclectic classics – assembled like a Chinese Puzzle into a work of finished art.
Well played, this disc is very highly recommended.
Also out recently – a pair of discs from Stacey Kent – one a French release, “Raconte-Moi,” now available in the US (very highly recommended); and a second disc, released by Candid Records – a compilation of material previously released on that label featuring Ms. Kent performing with her husband, the supremely talented Jim Tomlinson, on saxophone.
From the French recording, here’s Ms. Kent with Jobim’s “Waters of March,” but in French, as “Les Eaux De Mars.”
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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.
Reviews of female vocal artists, along with rambles about travel here and there; and rants about whatever moves me. Updated when it pleases me.
We’re all looking for someone:
The photo at the top:
Are you a singer or publicist? Would you like to see your own face (or your client's) grace the masthead? Drop me a line - the link is below.
The photo should be an "action" shot; no headshots or album art. I'll crop it in a way that suits me, but will offer a link to the original photo, if you request it.
Jennifer Zarine – Fresh Made Cuppa Tea
