Customer Reviews

Common Thread

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
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I've been an Amanda Carr fan for a few years so it was a no brainer to purchase this CD called "Common Thread". Common Thread But I am blown away at the level of musicianship and the authentic traditional sound of this band. It's a natural progression from her small group recordings, like "Soon". Soon She sounds right at home with a big band. The tune choices are brilliant and the arrangements are awesome. Common Thread is definitely a CD worth a purchase and not just a single song download. This is her best work yet ... and hopefully not her last. Highest kudos to Carr and the Kenny Hadley Big Band.

"Common Thread" is a stunning new release. Amanda Carr is simply a delight. She possesses a pleasing alto voice and a confidence in its reach that imbues every tune with a relaxed yet emphatic performance. I don't know how she does it, but even the "sad" songs such as "I Understand" maintain an uplifting quality given her attractive style. There's much on this recording reminiscent of some of the best big band and vocal collaborations of the past, and yet with a decidedly modern flair. Kenny Hadley's band really helps the session take off. This is a marvelously arranged group that throw sparks with vivid charts and excellent soloing. Exquisite instrumentation such as muted brass, clarinets and torchy guitar on the old evergreen "Time On My Hands" to tenor embellished with bass clarinet on "I Understand" and group charts where the whole organization moves as a dynamic solo instrument pack plenty of well-modulated punch.

"Common Thread" is an unadulterated kick and ought to be Grammy material. The repertoire and the performances by singer and band alike on this disc score a direct hit - right between the ears.

Well, well, well..., what a pleasant surprise. To be honest, I'd never heard of Amanda Carr and Kenny Hadley, or his Big Band, until "Common Thread" popped up in an Amazon recommendation. "What the heck," said I, "Nothing ventured, nothing gained," (I seem to talk more to myself as I grow older, but I digress...). I ordered the record; it was delivered yesterday; I played it this morning; and..., it's a HIT! I love it when that happens....

Ms Carr has a sweet, contralto voice, tipped a little toward the soprano end of the scale. She phrases well and articulates clearly. And man-oh-man, can she swing!

"Common Thread" is a set of standards: Songs like "They All Laughed," "There's a Small Hotel," "Just You, Just Me," "No Moon at All," and "The End of a Love Affair." Ms Carr approaches these songs straight ahead, without frills - she lets the lyrics do the work, and the guys in the band just wrap themselves around her voice. And speaking of the band....

Mr Hadley and his Big Band just stepped out of a time warp - they're not supposed to make bands like this anymore: Six saxmen, (and everybody doubles up on clarinet), four trumpeters, four trombonists, a guitarist, a bassist and Mr Hadley at the drums. I don't recognize most of the names, but it's a very professional gang - these guys can play!

If you're a fan of the late '50's, early '60's "jazzy pop" female vocalists, and the big band sound, "Common Thread" is your kind'a record.

I've been trying, for over four years, to see Amanda Carr in person. I work too much. Hence, when I heard her on WBZ's, "Jordan Rich," Program, I decided to purchase this C.D. Kenny Hadley's Big Band, I had heard, years ago, when I attended the, former, South Shore Jazz Festival.

This Compact Disc fulfills my wanting to enjoy listening to this well-crafted singer. Just think of it. A singer, who can really sing! I had e-mailed her,that I fully enjoyed her selections. My, "Welcome to the Club," album by Nat King Cole also had some of the very same selections. I bought that, when I was in early High School The Rodgers & Hart classic, "There's a Small Hotel," does make me somewhat misty-eyed. It was from the movie-version of Pal Joey. The, "I Understand," song is so well done, that perhaps, the she could qualify, as Sinatra phrased it, "A Salon Singer."

Her singing bings you right in front of the Bandstand at the, "Stardust Ballroom."

Paul E. Bauer

Nice CD for big band and singers fans. Not over the top but a solid effort.