Loverly

CASSANDRA WILSON: Loverly
Blue Note, 2008

VOCAL JAZZ – Standards albums are a dime a dozen, but they hardly ever sound like this, Wilson’s first all-standards release in 20 years. Her deep, slow-moan delivery is an odd fit for some of the breezier tunes, but that tension is actually part of why this album works so well. There’s a “live” feel and immediacy to the recording, the band is just terrific, and it’s clear that Wilson has really taken the time to absorb the lyrics – so she doesn’t just sing the melody, she sings the SONG.

Fo’s Picks: 2, 4, 5, 6, 8*, 9, 10*, 11

1. 4:16 – upbeat bounce, slight ache in voice, peppy piano, sassy trumpet
2. 4:58 – slow, slinky, almost decadently rich; nice piano break and slide guitar
3. 5:02 – midtempo sway, very relaxed, homey feel
4. 5:51 – catchy guitar/piano into gliding midtempo; cool piano break
5. 4:23 – excellent chewy rhythm, hot percussion, elastic vox; really moves
6. 6:42 – oooh... fat bass, supercool rhythm; plush, very romantic vocal
7. 5:01 – just acoustic guitar & deep intimate vocal, a soft caress
8. 5:42 – bubbling original groove; cool, incessant rhythm and soulful vocal
9. 4:40 – solid blues/soul groove, no-nonsense vocal, nice funky energy
10. 4:46 – deep south blues, excellent sassy vocal, cool guitar & percussion
11. 4:47 – smoky ballad, just slinky vocal and laid-back bass… very hip
12. 4:35 – an easy sway: warm vocal with scat break, swings gently

[ Fo ] 1-Oct-08