(Review by Debra Milne.)
Over recent years, Lianne
Carroll has established herself as one of the leading British jazz vocalists,
and in the latest album ‘Ballads’,
she draws on her extensive experience as a singer, pianist and composer, to
place a distinctive interpretation on a collection of
beautiful songs. The arrangements, some by LA-based Chris Walden, are sparse
and understated, enhancing the effect of Carroll’s vocal delivery. There are
intimate duets with guitar and piano, small ensembles featuring different
soloists, and the selective use of orchestration, and this variety sustains
attention when all the songs are slow in tempo.
In Noel Coward’s ‘Mad
About The Boy’, with Gwilym Simcock on piano, and in Buddy Holly’s It’s Raining In My Heart’, she is at
her best, interpreting the lyrics with sensitivity, avoiding the temptation to
over-elaborate, letting the words speak for themselves. As a result, her
occasional embellishments & awesome vocal power have more impact. ‘You’ve
Changed’ is a lush contrast, with the strings of the Prague
Philharmonic Orchestra and McMillan’s muted trumpet. Mark Edwards provides
excellent accompaniment on piano on many of the tracks, particularly in ‘Goodbye’, where he also plays a delicate solo.
James MacMillan has done a fine job producing this album, showcasing Lianne
Carroll in her prime. International recognition beckons.
Debra.
Ballads is released on April 15 and the album is launched with a stellar residency at the intimate Pizza
Express Jazz Club, one of London
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