Here we have nine original songs about the ups and downs of life and especially about love, sung in a pleasing alto-toned voice, every word clear. The accompaniment is skilled and appropriate, with the jazz influence provided by short tenor sax solos and comments aside.
I'm not sure that the CD could honestly be called jazz as there is little improvisation from the singer, who reminded me of Carol King singing with her piano in the 1960/70s. However the CD is good listening if it is considered as jazz/pop if there is such a genre. The more jazz-like tracks are Waiting For Someone, a sad love song with some vocal improvisation and gospel influence and Mind Over Heart which has a Latin rhythm.
This is Laura Lantano's debut album. She began playing piano at the age of four and wrote her first song when she was eight years old. She played classical piano as a teenager and then discovered jazz via the singing of Betty Carter, Carmen McRae and jazz standards. The general feel of the album is positive and uplifting, with lyrics which acknowledge sadness but contribute to that general feeling.
The album is available from May 5, on Bandcamp I believe. The title track, Returning To Myself , was released on March 3 and All Is Not Lost was released on March 24, both on digital platforms. See www.lauralantano.com. Ann Alex
Returning to Myself; All is Not Lost; Eyes Wide Open; Sea of Summer Stars; I'll Never Fall in Love Again; Everyone Has a Place to go; Waiting For Someone; Mind Over Heart; Sunset Fire
No comments :
Post a Comment