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InTune: CD Reviews
by Anthony J. W. Benson
New Releases
Gypsy In My Soul, by Connie Evingson [www.ConnieEvingson.com]
Acclaimed Jazz vocalist Connie Evingson has always stretched herself artistically.
Whether it be recordings dedicated to Peggy Lee (Fever) or showcasing the songwriting
of The Beatles (Let it Be Jazz), she always finds a way to make the songs uniquely
her own. With her newest release, Gypsy in My Soul, she has done it again. The style
this time is Hot Club (acoustic-style swing jazz of the '30s, '40s and '50s) and
the honored one is Django Reinhardt, if not totally in song (though two of his songs
are represented here) then in musical influence and vibe. The sounds, the instrumentation
and the essence of these well-chosen songs deliver you to Paris in the '30s and '40s.
In addition to Reinhardt, other great songwriters are covered here -- George Gershwin,
Jerome Kern, Cole Porter and even Sting. Arguably Evingson's best work to date, Gypsy
in My Soul resonates with a pulse of authenticity and reverberates with a glorious
passion for this special, and too little heard music.
Things That Fall From the Sky, by Vyktoria Pratt Keating [www.vyktoria.com]
Vyktoria is one of my favorite artists. Her last studio release, This Guardian at
Noon, is also one of my favorite recordings. Her highly anticipated new CD, Things
That Fall from the Sky, is quickly becoming one of my favorites, too. Ian Anderson,
the founder and lead singer of the innovative rock group Jethro Tull, agrees on the
back cover of the CD: "Truly the troubadour, VPK combines age-old songtress
seduction with technical expertise and offers up the musings of the thinking, feeling
and sometimes vulnerable female presence...." Vyktoria weaves a magical spell
on all in earshot of her prestigious talent, which pulls you deep into her mind-spinningly
creative musical world. Complete with twisting sonic turns and excursions into the
inner id, Things That Fall from the Sky explodes into a vibrant musical event like
no other. This is a sonic exploration of otherworldly dimensions and overflowing
with exceptional sound and stirring performances.
Simply, by T. Mychael Rambo [www.tmychaelrambo.com]
The first thing you notice is the voice: a deep, reverberating and glorious baritone
that pulls you in and never lets go. Reminiscent of vocalists Billy Ekstein and Lou
Rawls, Rambo brings an old-school charm and distinctive style on his fresh take on
some classic standards. Songs by Ellington, Jobim, Cahn, Strayhorn are well represented
here, but perhaps none more so than the wonderfully spirited rendition of Stephen
Sondheim's "Anyone Can Whistle." All these well-chosen songs are complimented
admirably by self-penned song interludes and the engaging title song "Simply."
Infused and delivered with passion, Rambo obviously loves to sing, and sing he does.
Surrounding himself with a talented quartet of musicians, Rambo has never sounded
better. Simply said, Simply is a gorgeous recording.
Rediscovered Gem
Soul on Fire, by Jenny Bruce [www.goodgirl.com]
Female singer/songwriters abound amidst today's extensive musical landscape, though
sadly many do not deliver on the hype and promised goods. Others, regrettably are
not heard above the din of conventional modern pop radio. Jenny Bruce's brilliant
CD, Soul on Fire, represents the best of everything you would desire from an artist.
Blessed with a warm, inviting and soulful voice, Bruce's skillful songwriting feels
deeply personal and revelatory. A gifted storyteller, her songs infiltrate your consciousness
with truth and integrity. There is a unique beauty coursing through these stunning
songs, as especially evidenced with "Anybody Out There," "Amen"
and "Home," all of which radiate with thoughtful spiritual undercurrents.
Sarah MacLachlan, Shawn Colvin and Jonatha Brooke came to mind, but with a bow to
her estimable talent, Bruce is a unique voice unto herself, and her recording of
Soul on Fire is a musical blessing.
Please send all CDs and DVDs for review to: Anthony J.W. Benson, c/o InTune, P.O.
Box 1152, Longmont, CO 80502. Submitting product does not guarantee review. All submissions
will not be returned.
Anthony J.W. Benson is the founder of injoi Music, a unique forum for artistic
and creative development. His 29-year career in the entertainment industry has encompassed
varied horizons, from artist management and production to involvement with international
multi-media events and concerts. Anthony served as the director of A&R for the
respected record label Tambourine Inc. He is available on a select basis for consultations
and welcomes new projects. He may be reached at: anthony@injoi.com
Copyright © 2005 Anthony J.W. Benson. All rights reserved. |
| January 2005 |
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