Customer Reviews

Language

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

We heard an interview with Lorraine Feather on NPR and were intrigued by her concept and talent. I bought the CD for my husband for Father's Day and he plays it at work, in the car, on the computer at home. She's an awesome voice, coupled with a talented songwriter and a witty and intelligent blending of humor and soul. This is a must have for fans of jazz.

I heard Ms. Feather on NPR and also heard renditions of some of the songs on this album. As a lover of jazz, I found her vocalizations not only musically enjoyable, but I could understand and appreciate the lyrics as well. And you can get a lift and a laugh from most of them. Even if you have played the album numerous times and are no longer listening to the lyrics, the jazz musicians accompanying her provide a very satisfying jazz mood.

All in all, I'm glad I "discovered" Ms. Feather. Thanks, NPR (and Amazon for always making my shopping easier).

Hitherto, Lorraine Feather has been known as the ultra-witty lyricist and vastly underrated jazz singer who has brought modern vocalese sensibilities to chestnuts of Duke Ellington and Fats Waller. And, in that regard, "Such Sweet Thunder" and "New York City Drag," respectively, are two of my favorite c.d.'s of this decade.

But the day of reckoning is here. There is only so long an artist can do that sort of thing. For one, getting the copyright permission from the estates of such jazz giants, so that such vocalese productions may be possible, is a pain in the rear. But more importantly, for two, an artist has to grow and not be pigeon-holed.

So, in that spirit this newest Lorraine Feather c.d. consists of music by people such as the accomplished pianist here, Shelly Berg, that is jazzy and sounds similar to the giants above-named (in fact, "A Household Name" and "Making It Up As We Go Along" sound like they could have been lifted from "Drag"), but consist of sharply-drawn observations of modern-day life.

We have here observations of: how a.m. radio has become the chronicler of modern urban daily angst ("Traffic and Weather"); a society rife with sports cliches ("Hit the Ground Runnin'"); the young star-wannabe who must resort to the scut work of waitressing while awaiting her dream of "superstardom" ("Waiting Tables"); annoying corporate programmed telephone messages ("We Appreciate Your Patience" - why do corporations or governments tell you to go their websites, when you're on the damned phone, anyway?!), modern societal angst in general ("Very Unbecoming" - reminiscent of Woody Allen's worry that "the universe is expanding"!); the increasing importance of the sanctuary of home ("Home Alone"); and the maddening state of misplacing one's keys ("Where Are My Keys"; and as a card-carrying space cadet myself, I most certainly identify!).

And two gorgeous ballads. My favorites from this disc are the lovely "I Love New York At Christmas" and "In Flower."

None of this gets immediate belly-laughs, such as "Garden Gate Part II" from "Drag" or "Imaginary Guy" from "Thunder." But it's very sharply written and gets a lot of smiles and winks. And this c.d.'s music grows on you. I've listened to it about 4 times, now, and have enjoyed it more each time. And I've grown to appreciate more and more Lorraine Feather's techniques as a singer. Her sense of diction and pitch is second to none.

My only quibble is truly a quibble. Lorraine managed to finagle Tierney Sutton, Janis Siegel and Cheryl Bentyne to sing backup. I mean, when I die, if I'm met at the Gates by a choir of those four, I will know that my life was very well lived. (And given the relative ages of all, the probability of that happening is very small, I know!) But the 3 giants are truly "Vandellas" here. What a c.d. it would be, to have these four as "four Marthas"! There's something to look forward to! RC

This CD is clever and beautifully done. The artist has an amazing voice and the lyrics are so cleverly crafted that you hear something new each time you listen. I laughed out loud at times. I love it.

I can add no more to the positive comments already posted regarding Lorraine's alternately witty and poignant lyrics, excellent phrasing, wonderful diction (this should go without saying but there are many out there who lack it), and her right-on phrasing and pitch. But let me say a word about the instrumental backing provided by Shelly Berg and others -- the lyrics fit the melody so well, but the music could stand by itself. For many reasons, this CD is the best one yet.

Language is a work of love by Lorraine. You can feel it through the speakers, warm and loving. And it's just not her heart you hear, but a suburb recording. That adds to the emotional impact as well. Audiophiles, wake up and load this disk! The great Bernie Grundman himself did the mastering. I love the redo of Where Are My Keys and Very Unbecoming, they are really different but very good. I have Five. Everything should not be the "same as it ever was", variety is what life is all about. It's good for you.

This body of music will please anybody who ever enjoyed (LOVED) the Full Swing discs. Check it.

Thank you Ms Plumetune and Sir Tony Clock-a-lot! Keep trying so hard.

Bravo Lorraine Feather and congratulations on another outstanding album. Not only does this album display your intelligence, wit and humor, but more importantly - it shows your heart and your vulnerability.

"I love New York at Christmas" is my favorite track here.. . . Utterly heartbreaking. Each song is a mini movie with very clear and specific images. Somehow, i am not surprised at the level of musicianship of Miss Feather but clearly she has once again raised the bar for herself! Bravo and continued success.

Forever your fan. Moy Ortiz (Manila, Philippines)

Funny and clever lyrics coupled with a crisp and beautiful voice make this disc a gem.

One of my favorite albums that Lorraine has recorded. She is a gifted lyricist, and pianist as well, although she is accompanied by other musicians on this CD. The item arrived in great condition.

Lorraine Feather - daughter of the late jazz journalist - has been making music for years, writing nifty lyrics to music composed by jazz legends like Duke Ellington and Johnny Mandel. On this 2008 CD Feather has collaborated with her longtime pianist Shelly Berg (a great soloist in his own right), as well as Russell Ferrante and Feather's husband, drummer Tony Morales, to add some smart and clever lyrics about everyday annoyances (automated customer service messages, losing your keys, celebrity tabloids and - the best - sports clichés. There's an autobiographic song about her waitressing days (" Waiting Tables") as well a a heartwarming song about being alone at Christmas (I Love New York at Christmas"). Her jazz vocalizing is accompanied by the two other current female vocalese singers, Janis Siegel and Cheryl Bentyne (from The Manhattan Transfer), both great vocalists but without Feather's talent for lyrics.

The backup musicians - including Berg and Ferrante - are great and the big band arrangement on "Waiting Tables" allows a few of them to take nice solos.

Feather seems to release about one album per year. This came out in mid-2008. I wonder what wonders she'll offer we jazz lovers for 2009.

Steve Ramm
"Anything Phonographic"