Album review: Melbreeze - I Love Paris

This is one of those albums that, upon first hearing, you either love or hate - there's no in-between. My initial reaction leaned towards the former and I was tempted to switch off midway through the first track when I heard what they were doing to Autumn Leaves. And yet I didn't, there was a certain compulsion about it that kept me listening.

The following day, I couldn't get it out of my mind. It's like when you meet someone who may not be the most beautiful/handsome person on the block, not even the most intelligent one, but still you find that person in your thoughts to the exclusion of all others.

Today I decided I must play the album again - perform a sort of musical exorcism.

Having got this far, you've probably guessed that, upon listening again, I had become enamoured of this elaborate devil's brew and you'd be right!

Turkish born Melbreeze cleverly weaves song and spoken word with a voice that is strangely reminiscent of a jazzed-up Marlene Dietrich if you can picture such a combination!

Strong solos pepper the album with Tim Hagans' trumpet prominent throughout. A word of warning - don't expect the familiar standards to sound familiar! I guarantee you've never heard them quite like this!

Released by Blue Canoe Records and available via the usual suspects.

Lance

Personnel & soloists.

Autumn Leaves; I Fall in Love Too Easily; Dat Dere; Sentimental Journey; Don't Explain; I Love Paris; My Funny Valentine; Yesterdays; Whatever Lola Wants; Killing me Softly With His Song.