Lucky Girl

Jacqui Naylor (Artist) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 27, 2011)
• Original Release Date: 2011
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Ruby Star
• ASIN: B005EYP73M
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #139,259 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amy Winehouse with '70's Sensibilities, January 2, 2012

By 

Rick Cornell - See all my reviews

This review is from: Lucky Girl (Audio CD)

I have reviewed Jacqui Naylor albums before, so I don't know why it took me so long to figure out the similarity: With Jacqui's low, sultry, growly-purring voice, she is jazz-pop's answer to Amy Winehouse. Except for this: From "Back to Black," the late Ms. Winehouse seemed to be influenced by '60's Motown. Here, Ms. Naylor's muse appears to be more '70's pop.

Much of this album consists of original songs, penned by Ms. Naylor and her long-time pianist/guitarist, collaborator and co=producer, Art Khu. Listen to track 2, "Nothing Could Be Better Than You" or track 15, "Beautiful," and see if you don't hear echoes of Carole King. Likewise, in track 4, "Since I Love You," I hear traces of James Taylor. Likewise track 7 , "Dreamin'Prayin'Wishin'" and Jim Croce. Track 9, "Sunshine and Rain," has distinct traces of Seals and Croft. And track 10, "I Promise," could have been material for David Gates and "Bread."

Even in the standards, "The Surrey With the Fringe on Top," the counterpoint is George Benson's "Breezin'." And "Angel Eyes" is sort of informed by a four-chord lick from the Doobie Brothers' "Without Love."

Then there are the covers of tunes from the '70's themselves. The cover of Neil Young's "Only Love Can Break Your Heart" is heavenly. And the topper of all is Ms. Naylor's cover of Teddy Pendergrass' "Close the Door." Damn, this cut is sexy! Nearly that sexy is "I Can't Make You Love Me."

The longtime band of Khu, Jon Evans (bass) and Josh Jones (drums) sounds very tight, especially on "Angel Eyes."

Recently, Christopher Loudon of "Jazz Times" labelled this as a career highlight for Ms. Naylor. Based on the albums I've heard, I agree. Recommended. RC

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars THE DIVA QUEEN OF MASHUPS, December 20, 2011

By 

~~~~ "Gerz" (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Lucky Girl (Audio CD)

What can one say about such a syrupy heartfelt voice as Jacquis? She has done the most amazing thing of late in the jazz world by straddling many borders in a tasteful fashion. Her renditions of jazz classics fused into pop music metal icons is truly unique. She brings a sense of traditional sensibility and experimentation which has always been at the root of famous jazz solos forever and delivers in a whimsical light way that leaves one smiling.

Jacqui is genuine. The real deal. When I purchased a CD directly from her after one of her shows and it proved to be defective she immediately Fed Ex expressed me another one in time for my birthday. Now that's Customer Service!

In this CD she really explores the range of her amazing voice and delivers an emotional performance along the lines of Billie Holliday, Sarah Vaughan, Diana Krall, and other talented Divas. You will not go wrong having this collection of songs

for your own personal exploration of one of the true female singer talents of our current times. Her band is top notch and builds an fantastic four foundation - whether Art Khu is flying all over the keyboard or Josh Jones keeping the beat along with beefy acoustic bass accompaniment by Jon Evans - one never tires of this talented ensemble.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An immediate favorite, October 22, 2011

By 

Leslie A Janik (Vallejo, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Lucky Girl (Audio CD)

We are the Lucky ones with the release of this album. Jacqui's voice just keeps getting better and better. The band is tight; the original songs amazing, the covers clever. Jacqui covering "Close the Door", simply HOT.