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Lorraine Feather has reached the 60th birthday milestone in her life, and in recognition of that has knocked out a set of original tunes, ruminating on the various stages of a woman's life. Even though Ms. Feather doesn't look a day over 45, this is probably the most introspective recording of her career.

But Lorraine Feather is notable, first and foremost, for her razor-sharp wit and hilarious way with words, and nothing about the subject of a life "well-examined" changes that. Others have compared Ms. Feather to Cole Porter; and while I wouldn't disagree, I think an even more apt comparison is with William Schwenk Gilbert of Gilbert & Sullivan. I mean, who else rhymes "chariot" with "Marriott," or "Duhska" with "Petrushka" and "babushka"? Her rhyme schemes are positively Gilbertian!

Are these tunes autobiographical? Undoubtedly Ms. Feather would tell you "No, not exactly." For one thing, I doubt seriously that Ms. Feather "forgot" to have children! (track 3) But I have no doubt whatsoever that she has an i.q. of 153 ("Girl With the Lazy Eye," track 8) and that she is an absolute wizard at Scrabble ("Scrabble," track 10).

I recommend to all that you buy the c.d. rather than the mp 3's for one basic reason: Will Friedwald's liner notes are among the best I've ever read. Reading his tome about this c.d., where he explains each song and what each actually is really about, or might be about, enhances the listening experience immeasurably. This is a c.d. where the lyrics, first and foremost, make the album.

But none of the above is to slight the music one bit. These tunes stick with you on the first listen and worm your way into your muscle memory quickly. I love the jazzy vocalese of the set-opener "A Lot to Remember." Musically, my favorites here are the classically-tinged "Perugia," ( track 5 - a Mendelssohn elegy about Amanda Knox' current least favorite place on earth); and "Lazy Eye," which reminds me a lot of one of my favorite Lorraine Feather tunes, "Remembering to Breathe" from "Dooji Wooji." Bela Fleck appears and plays/adds a great whimsical tune, "Peculiar Universe" (track 2).

This c.d. is worthy of a Grammy nomination. Undoubtedly, it won't get one; but it really is time for Lorraine Feather to be more widely known than she is. True, she doesn't tour much; but there is no better singer-songwriter on the scene today. RC

p.s. - 12/2/10: Hush my mouth and call me stupid, but this c.d. actually received a Grammy nomination. Every time I think it's not possible to underestimate the intelligence of the N.A.R.A. when it comes to vocal jazz, they go and surprise me....RC

Lorraine Feather is simply the best lyricist working in Jazz today-- yes there are a few other noteworthy writers, but Lorraine Feather over the last decade has recorded an amazing output of CDs-- putting fantastic, witty and one of a kind lyrics to songs by Fats Waller, Duke Ellington, Dick Hyman and some of the best of the new generation of players like Russell Ferrante and Shelly Berg. This CD, one of her best, has her ruminating about "age", the stages of ones life and time-- and for some reason it unlocks a great deal of emotional resonance for her and the listener. While Ms. Feather can always be counted on for great rhymes, clever wordplay and such-- the subject matter makes her dig down deeper-- and the results are sensational. She writes a completely one of a kind take on the working woman/baby quandry called "I Forgot to Have Childres" that is astute, funny and strangely touching all at once. I also loved her drop dead love song that closes the CD, "I've always had a Thing for You"- who says they don't write them like that anymore. My personal fave is "Two Desperate Women in their 30s" which takes the very specific and makes it a universal emotion. But the CD is chock full of wonderful songs like "Scrabble" and "The Girl with the Lazy Eye" and most of them swing. The musicianship is superb and if that wasn't enough-- Lorraine has grown into a fantastic jazz singer-- clean, rhythmic-- with a voice full of color, verve and emotion. Get it!

I refer the reader to more detailed reviews by better writers than me, but BELIEVE it: Lorraine feather is the complete package. Here are incredible intelligence and uniqueness, beautiful voice, wide-ranging moods and arrangements. Always surprising and satisfying. You must hear Lorraine Feather to believe it can be this good. And it has kept getting better in latest albums. There are no "B material" cuts on a Lorraine Feather collection. She's earned the Grammy in the past, she should win it this time.

This album very quickly became my absolute favorite vocal jazz album. It's about as close to perfect as such a record can be.

Lorraine Feather is known in the jazz circles as being one of the best lyricists in the game. She has a very astute sense of language, a dry sense of humour and a keen sense of irony, and the ability to tell a compelling story. Her singing is every bit as good as her writing.

Overall the lyrics have a sense of light seriousness to them, yet often are also whimsical and humorous.

Lorraine's choice of musical collaborators - Russell Ferrante, Shelly Berg, Eddie Arkin, Dick Hyman, and Bela Fleck - has served her very well, as they all fit very well with her strengths, but each of them in a different way from one another.

Ferrante's writing on "Two Desperate Women" is nothing short of brilliant. I literally listened to this one track over and over for several days after buying this disc.

"Girl With The Lazy Eye" is hauntingly beautiful - the music is somewhat minimal, which makes sense because this tune's lyrics could stand up just as well as a poem.

"Scrabble" is a lot of fun and gives a nod to the stride piano genre (which is not new territory for Lorraine - check out "New York City Drag").

There's a certain musical tension to "How Did We End Up Here?" that makes the song all the more compelling. I want to thank, as a listener, whoever came up with the idea to double the vibes with the vocals, as it sounds amazing.

I also really like the concept of this record. Each track represents a different stage in one's life - my understanding is that some of the material is autobiographical and some of it isn't.

This is quirky, I know it wont be everyone's taste but I loved it. The lyrics are very important here so you have to listen, its not background music. Lorraine is a talent all on her own but I compare her to the likes of Jonie Mitchel or Dori Previn. Original, unique & from the heart.