Great jazz vocal performance
author: The Vancouver View
There is a lot of great music coming our way from the east, and the charge is being led by two singer/songwriters from Toronto who both seemed poised for bigger things... At only 22 years of age, Larra Skye has made an impressive debut with The World Disappears. The album is a showcase for her writing with producer Gerry Finn, with writing credits also given to pianists Eric Boucher and Adrean Farrugia.
From the opening notes of 'Whisper a Secret', it is clear that Skye wants to establish her late-night jazz club credentials, but a bit more upbeat and joyful --- perhaps the opening act to Patricia Barber before the martinis really start to flow.
The World Disappears is ostensibly a jazz album, and Skye also favours straight-ahead compositions with more sax-soaked smooth than swing. This adds variety to the album and pitches Skye more in the direction of a pop or smooth jazz format.
Skye's voice will mature with time to make the piano-side ballads more convincing, but for now she is confident and versatile. The album is a great jazz vocal performance.
Skye has benefited from great production, a winning songwriting collaborative effort, and fantastic accompaniment support. With record chain HMV reportedly interested in showcasing her talents and her album, this release may just well give Skye the breakthrough she deserves...
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Sultry, smoky, evocative
author: Don Conoscenti
I've released 9 albums and countless other side recordings and
produced other artists and done a cajillion sessions...and I don't own a
stereo or even a boom box! And since 9/11 I listen to more news radio than music when I'm in the car...the few minutes that it happens. But right now I'm listening to a new cd by the most beautiful jazz singer I personally know, who is a wacky and lovely Canadian friend of mine. She is going places. It swings from the first note. Which is most important. The sound is fabulous. Really open arrangements. Everything finding it's footing and position sweetly and with subtle, or not so subtle, authority. Beautifully performed, recorded and mixed. Consummate musical conversations throughout with a sulty, smoky and evocative vocal delivery sealing the deal. A vocalist with a compelling energy and emotion that will find herself relaxing into ever deepening grooves and self awareness with time and experience. There's a lot to stew on here and so much to look forward to.
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Enchanting
author: CKLN 88.1 FM
Larra Skye's 'The World Disappears' is an enchanting kick start to what could be a great career.
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Her style
author: Reiner Schwarz, Jazz FM 91.1
Sharp winds of a Canadian winter begin to blow... it's nasty out there but look at this... I've found a new bud, fresh, open and revealing just enough magic to indicate that a grand and colourful explosion is forthcoming... Larra's CD is her first statement and signature, and there's no question... it's her stuff and style.
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