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Editorial Reviews
Jazz vocalist Ilona Knopfler sings in both English and French on Live the Life. Accompanied by an international band that adds its special musical flavorings, Knopfler swings, scats, and offers her expressive interpretations of music from the pens of such great composers as Ivan Lins, Thelonious Monk, Abbey Lincoln, and Thomas Dorsey among others. Opening with a great cover of "I'm Going to Live the Life I Sing About," this song traverses three distinct styles. The intro is characterized by its a cappella harmonization behind Knopfler's motive development. It then segues into a bass and vocals duet in English that spotlights her comprehensive phrasing before a burst of French harmonization leads to an intense straight-ahead jazz solo by saxophonist Antonio Hart. On "Le Jazz et la Java," which is also sung in French, Knopfler engages in a conversation with trumpeter Sean Jones. This excellent call-and-response section represents one of the many great highlights on the CD and reinforces the universal idea that music erases many language barriers. Knopfler's vocal tones cover the mezzo-soprano to alto range, but on this highly entertaining offering, she eloquently alternates the harmonic rhythm, supportive and interactive comping, and soloist's viewpoint in two languages with seamless ease and professionalism. Highly recommended.. ~ Paula Edelstein
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A gorgeously produced affair,
By
This review is from: Live the Life (Audio CD)
In the past few months I've heard more c.d.'s by relatively young, relatively unknown jazz chanteusses who, based on their freshman or sophomore efforts, will remain relatively unknown, possibly soon to be criminally underrated.
Based on what I hear here, Ilona Knopfler has a bona fide chance to break out of that pack. Ms. Knopfler has a pure, rich straight tone that remains pure, rich and straight no matter where she is in her register. And she interprets lyrics beautifully; her phrasing is second to none. But I can say that about a number of the above-referenced jazz singers with whom you may be unfamiliar. What separates her from them are two things: First, this is one of the most gorgously produced c.d.'s I've heard in years. Major kudos to Jay Ashby and Al Pryor, the producers. I don't know how they got such good musicians as Paquito D'Rivera, Antonio Hart, Alain Mallet, and the New York Voices' Kim Nazarian and Darmon Meador to play and sing on an album of a relatively unknown artist on "Mack Avenue" (the recording label here), but whatever favors they pulled were worth it. More importantly, this whole album has a lush sounding feeling to it, without ever getting goopy. I highly recommend this c.d. to anybody with a killer sound system. Secondly, Ms. Knopfler has found a niche. She sings about half of the songs in French, including French translations of "Girl Talk" ("Dansez sur Moi") and "Windmills of my Mind" ("Les Moulins de mon Coeur"), and with the lush orchestrations, they really come across as atmospheric. With Ms. Knopfler's stunning good looks and voice, it wouldn't surprise me at all if some indie film producer discovered this album and featured it and her in some well-acclaimed film of the future, and raised her stock considerably. If that happens, well folks, you read it here first. RC
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Two Thumbs Up,
This review is from: Live the Life (Audio CD)
I just listened to "Live the Life" and I really liked it. Ilona performs a rich collection of classic songs penned by greats such as Thelonious Monk, Thomas A. Dorsey and Claude Nougaro. I think it's kind of cool how she mixes the English lyrics with her native French because I don't hear that too often. I really think this album is worth buying...it's extremely enjoyable!
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Songbird,
By TAK (Cleveland, OH) - See all my reviews
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Live the Life (Audio CD)
The cd is chockfull of uplifting music. I had the opportunity to attend a performance of Ms. Knopfler and I must say I enjoyed her show. She sings in both English and French. Even though you may not understand French, just the melodies will reel you. If you're into jazz vocalists, please add this to your collection.
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