How the Night People Pray
author: Bob Eaton
Yup, Jennifer is a really interesting singer but, in addition, she's a singer with really good taste: taste in material (I wish she would record her Cole Porter act...) and great taste in back up musicians - the best of Winnipeg. (Never heard of Winnipeg musicians? Get this CD and hear some of the best anywhere. Larry Roy, Greg Lowe, and Gilles Fournier are some some of my favourites.)
The songs are dark and sultry, playful, moody, and joyous. They have just the right orchestration (maybe that's producer Graham Shaw's contribution in addition to the harmonica and accordion highlights).
There are so many textures, sounds and styles. As I wrote, moody at times and whimsical in others. This is a very enjoyable CD that will in my regular rotation for a long time. And once put aside, I'm sure it will be brought back again and again.
Bob
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Pure class
author: Bluesbunny
Jazz is a musical form that Bluesbunny likes to avoid. It is all a bit too clever for its own good and too often sacrifices emotion for technical dexterity. Then again, there are always exceptions to the rule. This was the case when we came to review this album by Jennifer Hanson. Classy and satisfying, this album even has a proper drinking song.
The title track "How the Night People Pray" is pure poetry set to music and Ms Hanson's interpretation is right on the money. We doubt that even the mercurial Holly Cole could better it. With its air of sadness and regret, it is the star track of the album. Not that the rest disappoints. The aforementioned drinking song - "Drunk Again" - evokes smoky rooms and shadows and makes real the lives of those who live in the darkness. "When I'm With You" highlights her abilities to handle rhythm and shows off an endearing huskiness to her voice. The Spanish flavoured "Only Waiting" ends the album leaving us with the kind of feeling that men get after they have watched Sam Peckinpah's The Wild Bunch. If you love that film, you will understand.
Perhaps because it is produced by Graham Shaw (who wrote the songs and plays on it as well), this album convinces on both an artistic and emotional level. You can admire the technical perfection of the performances but it is the truly exquisite voice of Ms Hanson that draws you in and keeps things far, far away from bland, lounge jazz. As your taste in music matures, you learn to appreciate more than the three minute pop song.
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Heard it just before closing my eyes for the night
author: Charlotte Bedard
All I can say is I'm here looking it up so I can run to buy it tomorrow. It's different, it's beautiful.
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can't stop playing this!
author: lindie
This CD makes you stop and listen . . . to the exquisite voice of the singer, and the compelling lyrics. Every song offers something different and delightful. Altogether this CD works as a package of love and life songs that lingers and makes me play it over and over. I have a copy of my own and just bought one for a friend!
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