CD Review; Etta James - The Dreamer.

At the age of 73 Etta James has, she says, decided to retire with this, her final studio album.

James has had quite an incredible career with a whole string of accolades - six Grammy awards, two Hall of Fame awards and a Lifetime Achievement gong. One of her Grammy's was a Best Jazz Vocal Performance although there is little of that in evidence here.

Instead, what we get are impeccably performed, dare I use the word "Cover", versions of some Rock/Blues/Pop/Soul classics. 

I say "cover" but, of course, with Etta you get an original, perhaps even an alternative, look at them.

Difficult to select stand out tracks but I particularly liked her take on Otis Redding's Cigarettes and Coffee with its rich organ-like harmonies beneath the husky croak of a woman discovering a new love in the early hours. Ray Charles' In The Evening (when the sun goes down) is another emotive track that perhaps sums up the album. Don't play it mid afternoon - play it in the evening with a smoke (if you smoke), a coffee and maybe a double shot to help you sleep.

A worthy goodbye to a great artist who crosses the genres with ease.

The Dreamer by Etta James is released on Nov. 14 by Decca on the Verve label.

Lance.

PS: She can't retire! With a voice like that she must come back!