Great Vocals, guitar playing, grooves and live band sound.
author: Peter Goodhall
A Great cd, my favourite track is "Spreading that Stuff." Great Vocals, great guitar playing, love the grooves and live band sound. Have listened to her work before which I enjoyed, and am even more impressed with the direction Sally Cooper is taking with this cd.
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Great Vocals, guitar playing, grooves and live band sound.
author: Peter Goodhall
A Great cd, my favourite track is "Spreading that Stuff." Great Vocals, great guitar playing, love the grooves and live band sound. Have listened to her work before which I enjoyed, and am even more impressed with the direction Sally Cooper is taking with this cd.
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Talent a plenty
author: Ed Drury
Combine one part guitar genius with one part fantastic jazz vocal instrument, stir in sprinkles of fully professional and experienced session men and cook in a preheated oven of a fine studio and you’ve just cooked up one fine entree for dining in the Perfect Universe. Sally’s voices, sails, cruises and dances through a tasty menu of original and carefully chosen material ranging from the very clever title track to the Australian traditional Waltzing Matilda.
The blues standard, God Bless the Child that’s got his Own, is a perfect example of life in this perfect universe where all instrumental performances are clean, clear and beautiful. And Sally’s voice is one of those instruments which ring clear and true straight through to the heart.
Me and Bobbie McGee has never been so vocally blessed since Janis Joplin’s famous recording of it. But this is no recreation of that epic achievement. It is, rather, a completely different experience more true to the songs original folk roots yet with a smoothness unlike any other treatment I’ve heard.
This CD showcases two very rare and gifted virtuosos in Phillip Stone and Sally Cooper. The selection of material gives the listener opportunity to hear these remarkable musicians apply their craft to both familiar standards and exciting original material. It’s basically everything one could ask for and delivers more in terms of thought full production and carefully crafted arrangements. The big bonus here is the sheer diversity of the material, covering folk, blues, jazz and rock without compromising or middle of the road arrangements. It treats the listeners rather than patronizes them making it an enjoyable ride to take for anyone.
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Overall, Perfect Universe is a must for all lovers of the jazz/blues tradition.
author: Scott Mackeigan/The West Coast Show
The Apple of Temptation sets the tone as the first song on Sally Coopers new CD
Perfect Universe. This bluesy jazz vamp showcases the strength and confidence of Sally’s voice as she seduces the listener with her sultry tone cradled by one of the finest combos you will hear anywhere. After this introduction to Sally’s world things really get rolling on the second track: Spreading That Stuff. Here you will find not only exceptional vocals with a range and control that is second to none, but some of the most playful lyrics ever written! God Bless The Child That Got His Own is an original yet familiar torch burner that will have you slow dancing even if you have to use a pillow for a partner. The fourth song Soon Enough starts out like June Christie with Latin guitar then breaks out into mature contemporary song that could find a home on pop charts. Although this song moves Sally away from her home turf of sophisticated blues, she rises to the occasion and proves her versatility.
Sally’s cover of Bobby McGee is very competent but I found it disruptive to the flow of the mood of the record. Dr. Feelgood is an authentic blues song that brings Sally back to what she does best, her scat like vocals leave one in awe of her mastery of timing and phrasing. Take A Bite is also another of my personal favorites on the record. This modern Jazz standard is on solid footing with its classic predecessors. The title track for the CD is Perfect Universe which is the perfect vehicle for Sally’s incredible talent. In Dreaming Out Loud Sally shares the microphone with a very talented singer, the result is one of the warmest duets of our time. Sally finishes her CD with a simple acoustic version Waltzing Matilida, which I found a curious choice to end a otherwise brilliant jazz/blues recording. She does a good job of the folk songs, but she shines as a jazz singer.
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