Dianne
Fraser (vocals); Todd Schroeder (piano, arrangements); Adam Cohen (bass);
Denise Fraser (drums); Damon Kirsche (duetting on track 7); various others
This is Ms Fraser's debut album, featuring the songs of Leslie Bricusse, composer of music for film and theatre. Bricusse has received many honours, including two Academy Awards and has written many iconic songs including Pure Imagination and Feeling Good. I don't consider this to be a jazz album as such because the style of singing is closer to that of musical theatre, but nevertheless, the album is good of its type.
The instrumentalists are well up to the mark although the arrangements are more conventional than you would get on a jazz album. Musicians include Todd Schroeder who has collaborated with many performers including Postmodern Jukebox, and also Denise Fraser, sister of the singer, yet another woman taking over the drum kit, which thankfully is happening more and more these days.
As for the songs, they are mostly on the theme of love or optimistic aspiration, such as the famous Feeling Good. It is quite difficult to hear this song as musical theatre after hearing other versions, although our singer puts a lot of feeling into the lyrics on all of the tracks. This is the Moment/Once in a Lifetime is sung in a suitably assertive style, Le Jazz Hot, sung in French, is a gypsy jazz number, and the album is touchingly ended with Two for the Road, dedicated to the singer's husband.
A native of Los Angeles, Dianne Fraser has performed in shows ranging from Hello Dolly to The Pirates of Penzance. At present she works as a literary manager for various film and television writers.
The album is released on the Blujazz label and is available on all platforms. Ann Alex
At the Crossroads/After Today; Pure Imagination;
Feeling Good; Crazy World/If I Ruled the World; Le Jazz Hot; Happiness; Look at
That Face/Something in Your Smile; You and I; This is the Moment/Once in a Lifetime; Two for the Road.
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