The ninth album by Californian singer Kelly is, if that is possible, even better than album number eight HAPPY TO BE - which I reviewed back in 2014. No that's wrong. With a singer like Kelly there's no such thing as 'better'. When you've heard one you want to hear the others. Were we advertising biscuits the adjective 'moreish' would predominate.
What I particularly like about this latest offering is the material, the band and, of course the voice that could send shivers up and down your spine even it were selling dog food!
The material includes songs by Peter Nero, Gregory Porter, Joao Donato, Eddie Harris/Eddie Jefferson, Gordon Lightfoot, Bob Dorough/Fran Landesman, Willie Nelson as well as some words by Kelly on Catina DeLuna's River People.
The musicians are superb: Larry Koonse living up to his reputation as the person to call on out on the west coast. Janklow, whether blowing sax or flute ensures that there's never a dull moment. Nelson provides the perfect accompaniment for a singer as well as slotting in some solos that rubber stamp his own credentials.
Oh! I almost forgot (lie!) Julie Kelly is one of those singers whose voice stops you sleeping - Julie London was another - and Julie II is way up in that league. Whether singing in English or in Portuguese the message conveyed by the lyricist comes through. Maybe not always as the writer intended but as Julie Kelly interpreted it. It's what great actors do and, in this case, what great singers do.
Sting's Practical Arrangement is one of those lyrics that grab you. Not the way the old Moon/June songs did but in a way that combines the past with both today and the future*. Lance
* I declare a conflict of interest here!
Sunday in New York; Take me to the Alley; A Rog (the Frog); Practical Arrangement; Freedom Jazz Dance; River People; Early Morning Rain; Al Otro Lado Del Rio; Nothing Like You; Funny How Time Slips Away/Hello Like Before; Ponteio.
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