Customer Reviews

Autumn Leaves: The Songs of Johnny Mercer

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Jacintha is Singapore's main jazz singer, and the gorgeous "Here's to Ben" is probably still the best introduction to her. That said, "Autumn leaves" is a beautiful follow-up. The Mercer songs, including his version of the immortal `Les feuilles mortes', give her ample opportunity to seduce the listener with her beautiful voice. The instrumental back-up is intelligent, and in the case of the piano on `Moon river' stunningly daring. For a moment I thought I had switched to an Arnold Schonberg composition! Wholeheartedly recommended.

Recently, I purchased both of Jacintha's releases based on reviews here and by listening to the sound samples.

I am an avid audiophile and am greatly enjoying the recent crop of well-recorded releases featuring female vocalists. I have been a big fan of Diana Krall for the last year and a half, and I also own CDs of such vocalists as Jane Monheit, Kitty Margolis, Kendra Shank, Stacey Kent, Patricia Barber, Sunny Sumter, Monica Worth, and Datevik.

First I will state that I know nothing of the art or technicality of singing. And even though I spend lots of money on my stereo system, I greatly appreciate music just for music's sake. Of the names mentioned above only Diana Krall moves me emotionally. For me the rest are just artistic stylizations, voices that make no connection with me. With the exception of Diana Krall and Sunny Sumter I think I have only listened to the other women's CDs a couple times.

Jacintha is something special. When she sings, just like Diana you feel she is pouring out her heart for you only. On the Autumn Leaves CD it lists the track "Here's to Life" as being a bonus track. I am totally in love with this rendition. Kei Akagi's piano accompaniment is beautiful as it floats along elegantly framing the emotion of Jacintha's voice.

Obviously, my opinions regarding all the female vocalists I've mentioned are just that. My own. If you love the female voice as much as I, definitely listen to all you can. And by no means am I enchanted by every cut on every CD by Diana Krall or Jacintha. For me their personally emotional interpretation of old standards is what distinguishes them from what some music critics may label as the "glamour-before-talent-crowd".

It just amazes me that someone born, raised and musically educated in Singapore can sound this way. I suppose it really doesn't matter where one lives. A person can be moved by music no matter where it originates.

I now own both of Jacintha's CDs, which I found here at Amazon. Her voice has the soft intimacy reminiscent of Julie London's early albums, but her styling is her own, and she is backed by a talented combo which share but don't crowd her stage. Both CDs offer great selections of musical standards and are ideal as antidotes to a long hard day, or for late night listening with a cognac in hand and a quiet fire burning low on the hearth. I only hope Jacintha follows these two with yet another, and soon.

I purchased this CD after hearing the song "Here's to Life" in the PLay to the Bone movie with Antonio Banderas and Woody Harrelson. I couldn't get the song out of my head and had to find out who the singer was. I received the CD and listen to it all the time. I love every song on the CD. It never fails to move me emotionally. The intro of her rendition of "Moon River" and the pianist instrumental solo are excellent. I listen to the CD in my car and everytime someone hears it they are as blown away as I am.

Stunning. Simply stunning. NPR ran the last track (11),late one nite. I was on the way home from a long business trip.. the tune was so captivating.. I had to pull over to the side of the road to finish and catch the title. Took 2 weeks of frantic searching on the NET to find the disk and get it in my hand. Highly Treasured disk. SAD news, In coorespondance with the producer, All of her earlier master recordings were destroyed in a fire at the studio in Singapore. Get it while you can.

OK so I have a thing for well-recorded, enjoyable female jazz vocal. This recording has both attributes. If you're into Jane Monheit, Kendra Shank, Natalie Cole, Diana Krall, etc. "Autumn Leaves" will not disappoint. This is good jazz singing. Jacintha's voice is not seasoned with age but she's well on her way. This is an analog recording and it's proof positive that there's nothing lacking in analog whatsoever.

Inver knew Jacintha was Singapore born and raised. It is unusaly for an oriental singer to attempt jazz cocals and do it so well. Her voice is subtle and sensual. The backup is a bit weak in this album.

Expect nothing less than top quality from FIM. This CD parallels "Here's to Ben." The audio quality of this XRCD is top notch even from my bookshelf setup. Best track easily goes to the last track -Shirley Horn's "Here's to Life."

This CD is smooth, well orchestrated, and features a velvety, gentle and sensual seductive voice. Jacintha rivals Ella Fitzgerald's quality from years past. I highly recommend this CD to anyone who appreciates easy listening vocal selections. She's fabulous.

The lady is a monotone singer but good, you just have to really be in a kicked back mode to listen to her
I am a solid lover of Female Jazz and Blues singers.
She kinda comes close.....
If you have that someone special with that special night
She will help light your fire.
She is talented in her Genre......