Paris Rain

Brenda Russell | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (July 18, 2000)
• Original Release Date: July 18, 2000
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Hidden Beach
• ASIN: B00004UART
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (38 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #85,949 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

The enhanced portion contains the composer talking about songwriting in various aspects and about each song, the handwritten lyrics of some songs, and a connection to her website.
Genre: Jazz Music
Media Format: Compact Disk
Rating:
Release Date: 18-JUL-2000

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Worth the seven year wait, July 18, 2000

By 

Paul Hixenbaugh (Valley Village, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Paris Rain (Audio CD)

It's been seven years since Brenda Russell released her last album, "Soul Talkin'". One listen to "Paris Rain" makes it clear that Russell has spent the last seven years working on her magnum opus. The title track, "Love And Paris Rain", is a heartbreaking ballad and her best recording since "Piano In The Dark". "Expect A Miracle" and "Ideal World" are spiritually moving. "Catch On" is a great midtempo song in the best tradition. If you like Anita Baker, Oleta Adams, or even Melissa Manchester, you'll love this CD.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Genius, September 4, 2000

By 

Alan Dagless (Newcastle Upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear United Kingdom) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Paris Rain (Audio CD)

Hello from England.

Brenda has always been a bit of a 'cult' hero here in England. As welll as releasing her own fine albums she is also known for writing brilliant songs for others. As I have followed her career for a long time I have found myself asking why, oh why, Brenda gave whichever song away..... 'Flame' bt Patti LaBelle being an excellent example. However, with 'Paris Rain' Brenda has kept all the best songs for herself.

From the first track, 'Ideal World', you know that this CD is something very special (I love the way this song builds to anthemic proportions). Every track is of the highest possible standard and it is so very obvious that so much care, attnetion and love has gone in to creating this CD - it shows right through the speakers.

Apart from 'Ideal World' just listen to the quality of songs like 'Expect A Miracle' and 'Catch On' - you won't be disappointed.

So buy the album, and if you get the chance support Brenda at her live appearances.

Finally one word sums up Brenda Russell fro me : GENIUS!!

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "City of Light" shines in rain, August 10, 2000

By 

H. Payne (Los Angeles, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Paris Rain (Audio CD)

If there were more albums out that were this good, start to finish, even the Napster/MP3 crowd would be willing to pay good money for the music, if they knew it would support the release of other such artistry. Kudos to artist, producers, & label.

I was going to say a little something about my favorites, but after a few listenings, I realize I'd have to do an essay on each one. When you write great songs & sing them well, all the delectable little subtleties in the arrangement & production just enhance the performance without the need to over produce to prop up the songs.

From the gentle uplifting strains of "Ideal World" through the exquisitely written "She's in love", to the deliciously contagious Catch On, I was already hooked. And that's just the first 3 songs! "Walking in New York"--forget about it! Music & melody working in perfect prosody, balancing the grit & the grace & the sweet subtle dissonances of a walk with Ms Brenda through Nueva York.

It just doesn't stop--for the whole CD. I need 5 more stars & another page to rave about the 2nd half.