Customer Reviews

At Last

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Jaimee Paul is a Nashville-based singer who has worked and toured with big-league performers like Lyle Lovett and Wynonna Judd. "At Last" is her major-label debut solo album*.

And now, let's get straight to the point: Obviously I disagree with the other reviewers, all of whom have given "At Last" five stars. But I don't disagree in so far as Ms Paul's voice is concerned. She has an extraordinary voice - a lush, sensual, smokey alto. I kid you not, if you heard Ms Paul singing at closing time, you'd think that you had died and gone to heaven. No, it's not Ms Paul's voice that makes "At Last" a so-so album for me.

"At Last" is a set of thirteen standards - ranging from pop to country to jazz. Each song is sung by Ms Paul as a tribute to the iconic singer most closely associated with it. So we get songs like Etta James' "At Last;" Dinah Washington's "What a Difference a Day Makes;" and Patsy Cline's "Crazy." These are great songs, but by the time we hear the thirteenth, Judy Garland's "Over the Rainbow," they have all begun to sound the same. Every song is done at the same mid-tempo with the same orchestration - and man, is this album packed with orchestration - Beegie Adair's trio, swollen to an ochtette, plus the Jeff Steinberg Orchestra. There's some good work here - particularly Ms Adair's subtle piano, Leif Shires', (Ms Paul's husband), trumpet and Jack Jezzro's guitar - but generally every song is awash in smooth, string-driven pop. By the third cut, I was sayin', "Come on Lady, kick it up a notch!" But Ms Paul never does.

Bottom line: Ms Paul has a five star voice and "At Last" is a three star album. With a voice like this, Ms Paul will be back for a sophmore record. Here's hoping that she gets a chance to show what she can really do!

* An update and note on Ms Paul's discography: "At Last" was Ms Paul's major-label debut on Green Hill, but her first album is actually, "Angel Like You," a set of standards, backed by a trio and small band. ALY is at least a "four star" record but as far as I know, it's only available on Leif Shires' web site. Ms Paul's second album for Green Hill is "Christmas Time is Here." Released in October 2010, CTIH, is - I'll bet you've guessed it - an album of Christmas music. Ms Paul's newest album, "Melancholy Baby," was released in January, 2011. It's a set of standards with some interesting and surprising choices - how about "People Get Ready"? For me, MB is the record that "At Last" could'a/should'a been - and it's a "five star" record for sure!

If you like female vocalists and good old tunes, like those listed on this album,then by all means take a listen.
Every once in a while a singer comes along that leaves you nearly breathless and with one word in your mouth (and heart): "Wow!"
I noticed at Amazon.com that pianist Beegie Adair was the accompanist for this album. That was a strong clue because Beegie is the best, when it comes to pop piano and light jazz, a total joy to listen to, over and over again. Her taste is flawless.
This lady, Jaimee Paul, is just like that, and so much warmth, so much feeling, and a voice to die for. What a career this wonderful singer will have.
Highest recommendation.

If you need a auditory potion that is as good at smoothing out your jangled nerves as a warm cup of tea loaded with the best honey is on a sore throat...give a listen to At Last. Oh, my! Listening to Ms. Paul is the audio equivilant of snuggling in a deep, comfy, easy chair with a fuzzy blanket and warm beverage. You can feel the deep, satisfying sigh moving through your chest after the first few soulful, honied notes. What a beautiful tone! By all means, give this one a try.

Oui.. Bof... Jamie est uune nouvelle petite chanteuse de Nashville qui a travaillé et fait des tournées avec des artistes rénommés comme Lyle Lovett et Wynonna Judd. "At Last" est son premier album solo.
Jamie a une très belle voix un brin luxuriante et sensuelle qui aurait mieux servi des compositions originales que les sempiternels standards US entendus et rabāchés 1000 fois par d'autres. Treize titres mélangeant allègrement pop, country et jazz assemblées comme dans un filet garni qu'il convient d'écouter par leur créateurs. Je redoute le pire pour le second album !
Remarque sur ce commentaire

What a VOICE! There's something in Jaimee Paul's vocals, delivery and appreciation for Jazz lyrics/melodies that produces an overall very soulful effect. Teena Marie comes to mind minus the head voice, but with the ability to do incredible runs and gritty soulful inflections. I think of the latter's smoky, jazzy compositions which include "I'm Gonna Have My Cake (and Eat It Too)," "Tune in Tomorrow," "You Make Love like Springtime," "Portuguese Love," "Casanova Brown" and "Sunny Skies." There's also some "Etta" in the mix. It's no wonder Paul comes from a Gospel background! This sista puts her STANK on EVERY song on this CD! She's got the look, the pipes and the intelligence enough to listen to each song's individual personality. Some (Jazz) singers, sing. Jaimee Paul "sangs." There's a difference. I would personally love to hear her attempt some scatting. That would completely round out her already awesome and soulful package. Otherwise, move over, Diana Krall and make room for a "real" Jazz singer who doesn't put you in a coma from the second you press PLAY.

I was told by a friend to get this cd , that I would like it. Got the cd without ever hearing a track. Right to the point-I loved it. Her voice is unique and her working of At Last did it justice. Get this cd, you won't be sorry.

Jamiee Paul is out of this world singer. This is a CD that you will play over and over again.

jaimee is an awesome vocalist...this cd blew me away...this girl really knows how to take a song and make it her's...this is a voice to reckon with...a star is born!!!! wow!!

I'm always looking for fine female singers of the standards, and Jaimee Paul is up there with the best. Phrasing, intonation, warmth: she's got it all.

Full of great standards and handled with class

Great voice and good arrangements

Most tracks impressed