5 out of 5 without a doubt - but with caveats

i'm only an amateur. i give this full marks all round : for atmosphere, clarity, skill, and above all for the texture of the voice - a sort of mel torme with grit. each track is a tour de force. what a pleasurable find.

i do have a caveat. for me (simpleton for simple tunes) the performance is very much just that - a demonstration of consummate skills. in listening to it, i became more aware that i was listening in awe to the skill, and not to the lyrical and musical content. indeed, the few very fast sentences in the ten minute piece were just gabbled - ok, scat - but threw away lyrics at the expense of style. i know virtuosity (instrumental and vocal) is very much a part of jazz; but it should be blended and balanced perfectly such that the song alone is the message.

perhaps i'm only trying to say that i found it rather cerebral, and would have liked just a smidgen more melodic theme. probably because i'm not a jazz afficionado.

having got that off my chest, all i can say is this is by far and away the best find of voice and performer in many a long moon.

Posted: 07-May-2007 11:53:27 AM

excellent voice, excellent productions - slightly syrupy

a very very good singer whose angelic, high voice deserves a listen. my only reservation is the constant tunnel echo on the angelic voice, and the rather syrupy nature of each (very well recorded)song. the comparison with the likes of art garfunkel is well made. i think this voice deserves a better, real orchestral context.

Posted: 07-May-2007 05:17:13 AM

good voice to guitar simple song in a nice sense

a very simple sounding song, but the treatment suits the lyrics. the smooth, tenorish, angelic male voice is very good. the guitar playing sounds simple, but well recorded. the whole thing is an intimate one person at home with a guitar feel. it's a prettyish if not over memorable tune. i wouldn't have minded hearing a gentle build of strings behind just to give the flow some lift.

Posted: 07-May-2007 04:30:32 AM