WONDERFUL!!!!!
author: jorje
This is a top-notch project! Very uplifting and inspiring to listen to. Keep up the great work! We're waiting for the next one!
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EXCELLENT CD, GREAT VOCALS WITH COOKIN BAND
author: STEVE
This is a excellent album, I've listened to it about five times and always hear something new. Meri, has flawless intonation and great phrasing and the band plays behind her really great. My favorites are Dream Dancing & Close Your Eyes.
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author:
great stuff! i loved the jazzy feel. the strings were really cool. my favorite was So Many Stars.
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A great suprise!
author: Jeff
I bought this CD at a gig that Meri played in suburban Detroit. I was expecting it to sound like most of the local CDs that I've heard from singers around here.
I was blown away!
I just read this last review and thought to myself, is he/she listening to the same CD? I LOVED the energy on the first tune. Usually bands do not give their all behind vocalists but these guys lit a fire under her and pushed her into singing on a different level. Most singers are afraid to sing fast tempos, but she boldly chose a breakneck speed of "dream dancing" as a first tune. I know a lot of Cole Porter songs, but I had never heard that one before. I liked the fluidity of the saxophone weaving through the chords over the intense groove, and the rhythm section provided great support. They weren't overbearing, but didn't chicken-out either.
I was worried when I saw that there were strings on the CD. They usually are overwritten and detract from the vocalist. The arrangements written by the pianist, however, were used sparingly and contributed to the mood of the songs instead of dictating it. They were very tasteful and gave the CD something different, seperating it from almost all of the other local CDs that I've heard.
Again, it was a bold move, but it paid off.
I don't know the Portugese language and can't really comment on the lyrics, but I liked the vibe of the bossa novas. They provided good contrast to the hard swinging tunes like "Devil Moon" and "Destination Moon".
After listening to the CD a few times, I found my favorite track being "Darn that Dream". The pianist and Meri seem to be having a musical conversation with one another; not just reacting but interacting with subtle nuance. It reminds me of Bill Evans and Tony Bennett and their duo album from years back.
Overall, there was enough variety in styles to capture my attention for the full 60 minutes or so of this CD. Meri obviously chose tunes that would bring out the best qualities of her lovely voice and I patiently look forward to her next CD. In the meantime, I'll gather up my friends, go out for an evening, and show them that jazz is alive and well in Detroit.
Thanks for the great music, Meri
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