Dutch singer Baan's debut album had me asking her (metaphorically speaking) where have you been hiding all my life? not realising that on Friday, July 8, 1983* we were actually in the same building together - well not exactly together - but maybe our paths did cross at that year's North Sea Jazz Festival in Den Haag as Wilma made her way to sing with the Jack Redler Rhythm Club and I to watch a concert by the Woody Herman Band! If I'd made a different choice I wouldn't have had to wait 37 years to hear her and my life would have been the better for it.
Wilma Baan's career had, for many years been a balancing act between nursing and singing - maybe the nursing side contributed to the tender way she approaches a ballad. Certainly this album reveals a singer who can carry a song better than most. The fact that Claire Martin, along with trombonist Chris Traves, who also solos on Close Enough For Love, not only co-produced the album but also helped out with the percussion side, speaks volumes.
A selection of choice standards, impeccably performed, great arrangements and sympathetic backing make this a classy album and whilst some may say that they have this one by Peggy, that one by Ella or this one by Frank and another one by Jon, take it from me these are no mere covers but interpretations that stand up in their own right.
Rarely has an album title been so appropriate - I'm gonna play it again - and again!
Lance
* It's not that I have a good memory - I still have the programme!
Release date May 14 - pre-order here. Lunchtime launch at the 606 on June 13.
So Nice; Social Call; Close Enough for Love; Do Nothing Till You Hear From Me; Better than Anything; The Folks Who Live on the Hill; Teach me Tonight; Day by Day; The End of a Love Affair; Where Do You Start?; I Didn't Know What Time it Was; Here's to Life.
1 comment :
I was at the launch at the weekend...brilliant!
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