Customer Reviews

Lost And Found

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Not new to the music scene, Judith Owen has movie tracks and previous CDs to her credit. But on this CD, Ms. Owen's breaks out the jazz with some kicky renditions of some classics, original works and sultry interpretations of classic rock pieces with help from the likes of Tom Scott, Cassandra Wilson and Keb Mo. This is Hot Jazz, cool to the touch and strong like a good shot of fine aged scotch.

Ms. Owen's voice has all the classic elements of a night club singer crooning her way into your presence; strong, sexy, smoky and very enjoyable. The phrasing reminds you sometimes of Joni Mitchell, but the style is all hers. As she takes you through the various jazz pieces or her interpretation of some very familiar rock songs, her voice carries a torch, or expresses the emotion of a woman who loves jazz and knows how to make it come across with the impact of a velvet covered train wreck.

As I wandered through the tracks, each one was a surprise, each one eloquent in the approach and style and none of them were a disappointment. Her voice has a range that could cover songs like the classic Police song
"Walking on the Moon" or run up and down the scales as in "Famous Friends".

Joni Mitchell's influences are evident in the track "Train Out of Hollywood" which features Keb' Mo' and this is one of the most outstanding tracks on the CD. A very dynamic composition with Ms. Owens making it kick up and demand attention.

I liked her sultry interpretation of "Smoke on the Water", a Deep Purple tune that goes from rock to jazz and never falters. Ms. Owens interpretation is exceptional, and you will be surprised at the end result.

"These Foolish Things" is a classic, made more so by the smooth vocals Ms. Owen lends to this piece, as well as the emotional expressions in her voice.

Emotion is key here. Not only does Ms. Owen sing, or phrase, but she injects emotional expressions that give each piece impact and sometimes a ripping at the heart strings. This is especially noticeable on tracks like
"Down" and "Emily". "Emily" is another stand out track, with kicking vocals and melody.

While there are some tracks with full orchestra, piano is her companion in much of this music, and it allows her voice to come on strong, or it softens so she can emphasize the phrasing. "Famous Friends" is an excellent example, working the piano then breaking into vocal backups while still allowing Ms. Owens voice to shine.

"Sky High" with Tom Scott is just the right touch of jazz with the right feeling and expression of vocals. Probably my choice for another "outstanding track" on this work.

"Bridges" is a Latin jazz piece that enables Ms. Owen to show another side and expressiveness to her vocals. Just the right amount of beat to pick up the pace, but still the expression and smoothness to her voice that makes this piece work.

"Enough" features a duet with Cassandra Wilson, and this piece is smokin'! Two female jazz singers taking a tune and making it a knockout! Smooth, hot and just what the doctor ordered to cure your blues. Another outstanding track on this collection.

The final track of "Night and Day" with Richard Thompson on guitar is a classic. All Ms. Owen needs is a guitar, but the addition of a Latin beat and orchestra makes this a closing track to remember and leave you wanting more.

There is a bonus track included, from the film "P.S." called "Dreaming". It keeps within the jazz genre, and is a lovely composition, again calling upon Ms. Owen to implant her emotion filled vocals into some heady lyrics and misty music. A nice addition to this CD and nicely done by Ms. Owen.

If you love jazz female vocalists, as I do, Judith Owen is sure to please. If you like torch songs or new interpretations of old material, this CD is going to delight you. This lady has talent, a real show stopper, and she is not to be missed. maf

I saw the cover and thought "this looks interesting"...I was blown away! Judith Owen is totally fresh and original. There's nothing better than a woman at a piano singing her own songs. This one has interesting stories to tell and beautiful songs to sing. What's so wonderful is she can move so easily among different styles from jazz to pop to serious to playful. Emily is the stand-out track. As far as being a jazz singer and pianist...she's got it all over Diana Krall. For current female singer-songwriter...she's not so wrapped up in herself like Tori Amos. Judith Owen is a total class act. Even her previous album, 12 Arrows, though different and obviously less mature has the feel a singer who is "there" for the listener.

Not new to the music scene, Judith Owen has movie tracks and previous CDs to her credit. But on this CD, Ms. Owen's breaks out the jazz with some kicky renditions of some classics, original works and sultry interpretations of classic rock pieces with help from the likes of Tom Scott, Cassandra Wilson and Keb Mo. This is Hot Jazz, cool to the touch and strong like a good shot of fine aged scotch.

Ms. Owen's voice has all the classic elements of a night club singer crooning her way into your presence; strong, sexy, smoky and very enjoyable. The phrasing reminds you sometimes of Joni Mitchell, but the style is all hers. As she takes you through the various jazz pieces or her interpretation of some very familiar rock songs, her voice carries a torch, or expresses the emotion of a woman who loves jazz and knows how to make it come across with the impact of a velvet covered train wreck.

As I wandered through the tracks, each one was a surprise, each one eloquent in the approach and style and none of them were a disappointment. Her voice has a range that could cover songs like the classic Police song
"Walking on the Moon" or run up and down the scales as in "Famous Friends".

Joni Mitchell's influences are evident in the track "Train Out of Hollywood" which features Keb' Mo' and this is one of the most outstanding tracks on the CD. A very dynamic composition with Ms. Owens making it kick up and demand attention.

I liked her sultry interpretation of "Smoke on the Water", a Deep Purple tune that goes from rock to jazz and never falters. Ms. Owens interpretation is exceptional, and you will be surprised at the end result.

"These Foolish Things" is a classic, made more so by the smooth vocals Ms. Owen lends to this piece, as well as the emotional expressions in her voice.

Emotion is key here. Not only does Ms. Owen sing, or phrase, but she injects emotional expressions that give each piece impact and sometimes a ripping at the heart strings. This is especially noticeable on tracks like
"Down" and "Emily". "Emily" is another stand out track, with kicking vocals and melody.

While there are some tracks with full orchestra, piano is her companion in much of this music, and it allows her voice to come on strong, or it softens so she can emphasize the phrasing. "Famous Friends" is an excellent example, working the piano then breaking into vocal backups while still allowing Ms. Owens voice to shine.

"Sky High" with Tom Scott is just the right touch of jazz with the right feeling and expression of vocals. Probably my choice for another "outstanding track" on this work.

"Bridges" is a Latin jazz piece that enables Ms. Owen to show another side and expressiveness to her vocals. Just the right amount of beat to pick up the pace, but still the expression and smoothness to her voice that makes this piece work.

"Enough" features a duet with Cassandra Wilson, and this piece is smokin'! Two female jazz singers taking a tune and making it a knockout! Smooth, hot and just what the doctor ordered to cure your blues. Another outstanding track on this collection.

The final track of "Night and Day" with Richard Thompson on guitar is a classic. All Ms. Owen needs is a guitar, but the addition of a Latin beat and orchestra makes this a closing track to remember and leave you wanting more.

There is a bonus track included, from the film "P.S." called "Dreaming". It keeps within the jazz genre, and is a lovely composition, again calling upon Ms. Owen to implant her emotion filled vocals into some heady lyrics and misty music. A nice addition to this CD and nicely done by Ms. Owen.

If you love jazz female vocalists, as I do, Judith Owen is sure to please. If you like torch songs or new interpretations of old material, this CD is going to delight you. This lady has talent, a real show stopper, and she is not to be missed. maf

I consider myself fortunate to have heard of Owen a few years back. Her music is simply stunning. I'm at a loss for words really, but I'll try. Its hard to think of who she evokes in her work. She's a pianist, composer and singer. Her voice has some smokiness to it. But perhaps the best thing to consider is the reaction ALL (and I do mean ALL) my friends have when her music is playing in the background. Everyone asks, "who is this?" It is always in the astounded, curious, delighted, way of "who is this?" They usually want to grab a piece of paper and write down her name. Or they email a few days after the get-together to ask who that woman was who's music I was playing. "You know, that one that had that great "walking the dog" song. Or, "that great cover of 'Smoke on the Water.'"

I don't have many other artists that incite that kind of reaction. There's a bit of guilty joy in the fact that unlike say, Norah Jones or Madeleine Peyroux -- who at least someone in the group has heard of and recognizes -- no one has heard of Owen. I say "guilty" joy because I DO believe that Judith Owen's work deserves to have a wider audience.

I've also had the pleasure of catching her live in concert. Let me say that she is a consummate performer and SHE HAS CHOPS!! Her keyboard playing is great and that musical VOICE!! -- its so great to see it coming out of her mouth -- you look at her and can't believe its coming out of someone. Just really stunning.
Okay. I've raved enough. So do it already. Buy this CD (which is really good). You will no doubt want to buy "Arrows" as well. Buy it now or later, but you'll be looking for it, believe me. And check out her website online and try to catch her Live. Trust me, you'll be sharing this CD with friends.