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"Love Is The Answer" |
CD Review/September 2009 |
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Le Jazz Hot
Barbra Streisand latest album,
"Love Is The Answer" presents Barbra Streisand as a jazz singer of
interpretive quality.
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Barbra's
Interpretive
Jazz
September 30, 2009
The thing about Barbra Streisand's voice, other than
its vocal purity is its amazing staying power. Remember, this is a
singer who has been making records for nearly half a century. Barbra's
latest album is called "Love Is The Answer" and she proves, beyond any
doubt, that she's still got it. In spades. She has chosen to record
traditional jazz standards, but in typical Streisand style. That means
we get fresh interpretations of familiar songs as theatrical
performance pieces that are subtle, sublime and full of emotion.
Barbra gives a sultry, late night rendition to each of the dozen or so
songs featured on the album. Songs like "Here's That Rainy Day" and
"Love Dance" are delivered with such subtle relaxed emotion that they
simply capture the listener, holding them close. Tracks like Marilyn &
Alan Bergman's "Where Do You Start" and Jacques Brel's "If You Go
Away" offer perfect melodic fits for Barbra and ideal vehicles for her
to act the music.
"Love Is The Answer" also is a showcase for the outstanding
arrangements of Johnny Mandel and the quality musicianship of producer
Diana Krall's quartet. The deluxe 2 CD set offers orchestral versions
on one disc with corresponding performances backed by a simple piano,
bass, drums and guitar combo on the other. If you listen to each disc
separately, you'll enjoy two very unique experiences. The orchestral versions
are all about the artist in harmony with the musical accompaniment.
The quartet versions place the spotlight solely on the artist as a jazz
singer. It's been years since Barbra allowed her vocals to be so
utterly exposed, and the results are presented
immaculately.
So here's to life...here's to love...and here's to you, Barbra. |
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