Live in Montreux 91-97 [Live]

Rachelle Ferrell | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 9, 2002)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Live
• Label: Blue Note Records
• ASIN: B000063RSY
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #56,435 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ah, Rachelle, Live and Lovely, April 20, 2002

By 

Karl Miller "kemspeaks" (Phoenixville, PA United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Live in Montreux 91-97 (Audio CD)

Fans of Rachelle Ferrell know how enjoyable her live shows can be. A little sassy, a little smooth, hers is a talent born for the stage, which is porbably one reason that her name, while big in jazz circles, hasn't quite reached the echelon of Cassandra Wilson or Diana Krall. "Live In Montreaux" covers a lot of ground in making up for that.
This disc actually features pieces of two shows, one from 91 and one from 97, each featuring different musicians. 9 of the songs are from the '91 Montreaux show that is legendary amongst RF's fans (as well as jazz critics), when she played with a trio of Philly boys and wowed the crowd.
The best tune on the disc is a Rachelle original, "I'm Special" which features George Duke. The tune bounces, both by the propulsion of Rachelle's incredible voice and some great keyboard and percussion work. Ms. Ferrell's voice on this tune is in excellent form, and the bliss in her voice while singing this tune carries well to CD.
Rachelle chose her covers very wisely, particulary in taking on "My Funny Valentine". While this tune has been covered to death, there is a torch quality to Rachelle's version that gives the song a real sense of freshness. "You Don't Know What Love Is" is also gorgeous, and compares very well to the Cassandra Wilson version on "New Moon Daughter".
Other highlights - "I Can Explain", "With Every Breath I Take".
Anyone who is a Rachelle fan probably pre-ordered this album, knowing how enjoyable her voice is live (NOTE - this recording translates well from performance to CD, something rare in many jazz circles given the subtleness and complexity of orchestration). For the uninitiated, this is a great starting point for turning on to one of the most vibrant, yet underappreciated singers of our day.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hear God sing..., April 9, 2002

By 

Daniel (Atlanta, GA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Live in Montreux 91-97 (Audio CD)

Aight, it's an hour later. I've had time to recover. I'm sitting here munchin' on a jam sandwich in amazement at the beauty of Rachelle's craft. Rachelle, I salute you for your endurance, bravery, innovation, and experimentation which characterize your work and make you one of the most beautiful artists our planet has known. That said, this cd is the bomb! Rachelle breathes life into each song making them wholely hers, claiming them whether she wrote them or not. She makes music and personifies Spirit in a way to be remembered forever.
She swings the bejeezus outta 'You Send Me'. She seems completely comfortable and at home amongst the Eddie Green Trio but I guess they'd had a year or two's practice together by then.
On 'You Don't Know What Love Is' she simmers with the spirit of unrequited love. She kills it.
'Don't Waste Your Time' is filled with the vocal percussion, etc. that shows once again her dedication to discovering her potential.
She then blesses us with the live interpretation of her version of 'My Funny Valentine'. I woulda paid [money] just to hear the last "daAaaAAaaaaayyyyy!" she hits.
Easily one of her most powerful, evocative songs of all, 'I Can Explain' captivated audiences even as early as 1991. The fact that it is still so widely admired and requested is a testament to the power and sheer beauty of this song. This early version shows its primal magnificence way before it was ever recorded for Individuality.
George Duke comes out and spreads a little magic over 'I'm Special'. "I'm special in your life!" Ain't that the truth?
With 'Bye-Bye Blackbird' Rachelle keeps the powerful atmosphere going, effortlessly (seemingly so... but we know she's worked so hard) beautiful and entrancing.
The live version of 'Prayer Dance' is a treat. Masterful and divine with every step, Rachelle dances her dance of Spirit and invites us to dance with her.
On 'With Every Breath I Take', Rachelle takes a beautiful song and makes it heavenly. The accompanying musicians weave a beautiful tapestry of sound behind her as she rumbles out the lowest low note I've heard from her yet.
'Me Voila Seul' finds Rachelle soaring in honor of the great Charles Aznavour and bringing new greatness to his wonderful masterpiece.
And 'On Se Reveillera' shows the beat-boxing, goddess of voice we all know and love.
Rachelle is a queen y'all. Auntie, you're amazing.
If you can't tell, I like the cd aight. ;)
Peace and love y'all,
Daniel

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Transformative, February 2, 2003

By 

Brian Tacang (El Prado, NM United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Live in Montreux 91-97 (Audio CD)

Stating the obvious, her range is unbelievable. Her improvisational skills are nearly unmatched. But what impresses me most about Rachelle Ferrell is her ability to sing pure emotion. In that sense, I can think of no other singer that can do what she does. Whether she's expressing anguish, joy, despair, or tenderness, the listener is immediately transported to the place where that emotion resides. Her ability to take the listener to that place earns her the listener's implicit trust--we know, through a kindrid-spirit kind of connection, that she's "been there." And she reminds us that we've been there too. It's from that safe, common place that we're able to appreciate the technical prowess with which she transforms unformed feeling into sound.
And the best part is; she doesn't even needs words to do it.