CD Review: Jo Harrop & Jamie McCredie - Weathering the Storm. Released today!

Jo Harrop (vocal); Jamie McCredie (guitar).

I know we're not yet halfway through this year but if, come December 31, there is a better vocal album released then it will be because Ella and Joe Pass have been reincarnated and, even then, it will be a close thing.

Yes, this is the real deal. Inspired by Ella and Joe as well as by the duo albums Tony Bennett did with Bill Evans, Jo and Jamie treat their inspiration with respect whilst, at the same time retaining their own individuality.

That they both have roots in the northeast has in no way coloured my judgement - this is pure class irrespective of anything other than near definitive contemporary versions of some classic songs.  Jo Harrop brings the feeling to a ballad that perhaps only Peggy Lee has matched. Billie and Ella also did it but in a totally different way.

In Jamie McCredie, Jo has found a musical soulmate, his sympathetic backing the perfect foil and his tasty soloing just so so right for the setting.

My Foolish Heart: By coincidence, just recently I was watching the film of the same name on Sony Movies. The great Susan Hayward, the star. There's a night club scene where an unnamed singer sings the title song - if the film is ever remade then Jo's the girl to provide the voice!

That's just the first track and what follows is equally compelling. I'd never visualised Jo singing a Tom Waits song but here, it's as if he'd penned the song exclusively for her,

The title of the album too is very appropriate in these troubled times. If we are going to weather the storm then this album will help us through.

Lance

Here's a YouTube clip.

Released May 22 (today!) on Lateralize Records.

I Fall in Love Too Easily; Tenderly; Take it With me (Tom Waits); Guilty; More Than You Know; You Must Believe in Spring: Charade; Early Autumn; In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning; If.