Customer Reviews

Echo

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I love Alyssa Graham's voice! "Pictures of You" is a gorgeous love song, and her versions of Paul Simon's "America" and Joao Gilberto's "Izaura" are just stunning. Jazz fans will love this, but any fan of vocalists and great arrangements will too.

Erin Bode is a good "product link" for Alyssa Graham and this c.d. Like Ms. Bode, Sara Gazarek, Jacqui Naylor, Judith Owens, Melody Gardot, Raya Yarbrough, and a few others, Alyssa Graham is a full fledged member of the group of young jazz-pop chanteusses who are gifted and relatively underrated. But Norah Jones broke out of this pack a few years ago, and maybe Alyssa Graham can do likewise.

This c.d. has a few covers, but by and large it's a palette of originals, written primarily by Ms. Graham's "main man," Douglas (guitar), producer Jon Cowherd (piano) and Bryan McCann. And they are really good. The whole album sounds wonderful - not a weak track on the disc. I'm particularly taken with the catchy tunes "Arkansas" and "My Love"; the haunting tune of Sting's, "I Burn for You"; and Cowherd's piano, the highlight for me, on "Involved Again."

(And I love the fact that the musicians have covered Paul Simon's "America." This seems to be among the least covered in the Simon songbook, and I don't know why. Perhaps the c.w. is that the song is "too '60's"; if so, I disagree. The wonderment of the little details around you is as relevant 50 years later as it was then.)

Ms. Graham has a clear, strong voice, ideal for jazz singing.

I believe this is her second release, but first one I'm familiar with. In reviewing this recording, I recall writing sort of a melancholy review 4 years ago on Kate McGarry's release, wondering what do you do when you're a talented young artist who is barely known. 4 years later, Kate has released a Grammy-nominated c.d. There's no reason Alyssa Graham and company couldn't do the same ca. 2012. Here's hoping! RC

Amazing, amazing disc. Responding to previous reviewer: "Izaura" (or Isaura) is not a Joćo Gilberto tune, but an Herivelton Martins and Roberto Roberti composition, first recorded by Francisco Alves in 1945, later recorded by Joćo Gilberto.

It is easy to lose yourself in Alyssa Grahams vocals. Her voice is sweet and expressive. I was also very impressed with the composition. The musicians are top notch. I highly recommend this CD! You will not be disappointed!

JULY 2008: Just finished listening from start to finish and thoroughly enjoyed it. By no means repetitive, with each song a new and interesting journey unto itself. Reminiscent of Norah Jones, but more crisp and fresh. But if you liked her album, you'll certainly like this one. Already looking forward to the next one!
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UPDATE--OCT, 2008: Its one of those collections of songs that starts to weave itself into the fabric of your life. I know I'll be listening to them for years to come and enjoy putting it on just as much as on old comfy sweater...soft, smooth, comfortable...makes you feel good.
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