CD Review: Laura Perlman - Precious Moments

Laura Perlman (vcl); Bill Cunliffe (pno); Mark Sherman (vbs); Chris Colangelo (bs); Joe La Barbero (dms).

(Review by Lance).

Ms Perlman grew up in a jazz loving family, subjected, if that's the right word, to the music of Bird; Trane; Miles; Sassy and Ella from an early age. With this enviable upbringing it's not surprising she has produced an outstanding album in a field where outstanding lady vocalists are the norm.

Ten classic song book items, a sympathetic A-list accompaniment and a voice that conveys the emotion of the lyric, phrased and rephrased to suit her own interpretation. These are the ingredients that go to make this rather special.

I've Never Been in Love Before; I've Grown Accustomed to His Face; But Beautiful; My Favourite Things; I'm Old Fashioned; You Go to my Head; My Foolish Heart; On the Street Where You Live; My One and Only Love and Every Time We Say Goodbye - the canvases upon which Laura Perlman paints her vocal soundscapes.

Although this was the first time I'd heard, or even heard of, Laura Perlman - it was love!

So why, you ask, has it taken her several decades before making this album?

Well, after a spell at Berklee, Laura found a job in Hollywood as a music editor on 119 movies inc. A League of Their Own; Thelma and Louise; Driving Miss Daisy, among others - all 'biggies! 

Then there was another obstacle - breast cancer. This was a battle she fought and won. 

Smooth sailing from now on? Not quite. A bone marrow transplant took a further toll on her stamina until, eventually, with the support of family, friends and medical staff Laura felt ready to concentrate on a singing career. 

This album is the result.

Samples/buy.

Lance.