Carmen Lundy'
s voice is one of the very best in jazz, and has always been an integral part of the backing bands she works with. In what may be an unprecedented format for a jazz singer, this is a solo project in every sense, as she wrote and performed everything, save a modified version of
"America the Beautiful."
One gets the airy and diffuse feeling of this album from the beginning, at times drifting or approximated, at others assured and even stoic in her resolve to do this all on her own. There are themes borrowed and assimilated, but it seems more like extrapolations than interpretations.
Lundy
is unique, if not all that original here, where in previous performances she's been much more of a pioneer than carrying on in whatever jazz vocal tradition. This recording tends toward that derived sound, with pop, Brazilian, and more commercial leanings rather than jazz. Still
's penchant for improvising is softly rendered on the most tuneful blues
"Lay Low"
where she picks up an acoustic guitar, or in the easy waltz of
"Without Your Love,"
her most pronounced effort. There's a party tune, a shimmering requiem, and even spacy music, all atypical of what
Lundy'
s fans might expect. More what it is not compared to her previous recordings,
has made a bold move here, even if it largely isn't as successful. ~ Michael G. Nastos