First Instrument

Rachelle Ferrell | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 4, 1995)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Blue Note Records
• ASIN: B000005GWF
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (32 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #54,680 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #28 in Music > Indie Music > Pop > Adult Contemporary

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best jazz album I own!, September 22, 2001

By 

Thomas C. Nagy "Music Teacher" (Ebensburg, PA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: First Instrument (Audio CD)

Rachelle Ferrell is a standout in a field of mediocre jazz artists. Not since Ella Fitzgerald has there been a vocalist of this caliber. Her voice is so versatile! Old standards here are presented in a fresh and renewed way. Highlights include "Inchworm" and "Bye Bye Blackbird." If you only buy one jazz album in your lifetime, make "First Instrument" that album!!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Like none other today!, July 27, 2000

By 

vsf - See all my reviews

This review is from: First Instrument (Audio CD)

This album has got to be my favorite yet of any artist as a whole. I relished upon the seemingly private and personal "With Every Breath I Take" and "Extensions," both of which were hopelessly romantic ballads, undeniably inspired performances. It was impossible to see how she breathed new life into such standards as "Bye Bye Blackbird," "My Funny Valentine," and even "You Send Me" (!). Ms. Ferrell here clearly wants the listener to gain a sense of her voice: limitless (it would seem) and flexible. The very necessary-only accompaniment seems to suit her voice more than the big band type orchestration that some vocalists prefer. Believe me, she can "comp" on the high and low ends of her well-used, multiple ocave range. (Can you say "Grand piano"?)

Only one thing: I found it hard to play the whole CD through, nonstop. I was too busy falling in love with the songs and having to play them over and over again.

"What is this Thing Called Love" was addictively vibrant, packed with unexpected vocal jumps and rolls. "Autumn Leaves" was a soulful scat revival of the WELL-covered number. "Prayer Dance" held a special, evocative flavor combined with her haunting soprano that combined to soothe.

Buy it if you want a taste of the future of not only quality and vibrant jazz, but supreme vocals, both of which are rare and highly mistaken these days...

PS: Ms. Ferrell, I think I am in love. With your voice, that is.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Improv and Scatting at its best, August 6, 2002

By 

Makini Niliwaambieni (Washington, DC - USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: First Instrument (Audio CD)

From beginning to end First Instrument pulled me into Rachelle's world and held me hostage for hours (I replayed the entire CD at least 6 or 7 times consecutively). Her range is unbelieveable. Her voice is clear and exciting from the top of the scales to the bottom. She is Sarah, Billie and Ella all rolled into one. They are surely smiling down on her as she has chosen to include this Afrikan American classical music form in her repertoire. I believe that this classical music form is where her vocal talent/gift is best heard. If you're wondering what to give as a gift for anyone's upcoming birthday, stop wondering. First Instrument is the one.