Customer Reviews

Seasons of Love

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I have studied and followed female jazz vocalists for 50 years, including numerous performances of Sarah Vaughn, Nancy Wilson, Betty Carter, and many others, and I have not heard another with more power, improvisational skill, or professional depth than Ranee Lee.

This album is a collection of smooth ballads suitable after dinner with the lights low. It is not for everyone, but, if you can listen to Early Autumn, for example, without a thrill, I can't help you.

For other jazz styles by Renee, see Dark Divas or I Thought About You, for example. She soars, she croons, she scats, she swings, she does it all. Her work on Round Midnight is as fine as you might ever hear. She is what the wonderful Sarah Vaughn might have been in this age when vocalists receive serious training.

Jazz singer Ranee Lee has been cranking out albums since 1984. "Seasons of Love," recorded in 1997, was her sixth album.

Ms Lee has a warm, brassy edged contralto voice - there's a little bit of smoke in her lower register and her high notes are round and sweet. She articulates precisely and phrases well. She can kick up her heels and get down with the best of 'em - but she also has a mellow, gentle side - and that's the side on display on "Seasons of Love."

"Seasons of Love" is a set of set of twelve songs - most of them are standards, but three of 'em are originals by Ms Lee. The standards include "Old Folks," (OK, this is not my favorite song - but Ms Lee's version has a warm, nostalgic quality that I like), "'Tis Autumn," a lovely version of "My One and Only Love," and "Spring Can Really Hang You Up the Most," (which is one of my favorite songs and Ms Lee's version ranks with the best I've ever heard).

Ms Lee's band is outstanding: pianist Tilden Webb, guitarist Richard Ring, John Clayton at the bass and drummer Jeff Hamilton - and the great tenor saxman David Murray sits in on four songs. There's nothing flashy going on here - Ms Lee's voice is the "star" - and the guys turn in a lovely, subtle, understated set supporting her.

Bottom Line: This is mellow jazz for a sunny Sunday afternoon with a glass of your favorite libation in one hand and your significant other's hand in the other.

I found this CD searching for two specific song titles, specifically "Summer Me, Winter Me", and "Spring Can Really Hang You Up The Most." The artist was unknown to me however the collection of tunes included the two I wanted plus several others to my taste, "Early Autumn" and "My One and Only Love". After listening to a few snipets I made the purchase. The tunes are still good but overall Ranee Lee was disappointing. Her style is transient. There are moments that produce a smooth sound followed by an abrasive line usually in her upper register. When she pushes she looses her uniqueness. Her abrasive consanants often get in the way of a smooth vowel sound. Some serious pitch problems should have been caught at the studio. The back up men are good. The sax is sultry and the piano is clear and crisp, even bright when need be. The tunes are still valid and and I could understand every word so now I know the lyrics. I would not purchase another of her CD's.