Customer Reviews

The Second Time Around

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Denise Perrier is the heir apparent to the late great vocal stylings of Shirley Horn. An artist just introduced to me, Ms.Perrier's latest CD, "The Second Time Around" is simply my nominee for one of the best of the year. Ms. Perrier's touching renditions of classics, "This Bitter Earth" and "Here's That Rainy Day" and swinging takes on 'S Wonderful and "Don't Touch Me"... makes us want to find out where she's been all of our lives. Accompanied by her stellar band and with guest tenor saxophonist, Houston Person....this CD is truly a find! Bravo!

Denise Perrier, (not to be confused with the French model of the same name), has been singing jazz and blues in the San Francisco Bay Area for more than 30 years. She has a rich, contralto voice, (with an emphasis on alto), and a straight ahead, no frills style.

"The Second Time Around," Ms Perrier's second album with tenor sax great Houston Person, was recorded live at Pearl's, a San Francisco jazz club, in 2007.

"... Second Time...," is a mix of standards like "'S Wonderful," "You'd be so Nice to Come Home To," and "Falling in Love With Love," along with a few more obscure gems like Teddy Edwards' "Don't Touch Me." It's an excellent set of blues inflected jazz. I have only one complaint: "Dindi." If I never hear this over recorded piece of schmaltz ever again, I will die a happy man.

Ms Perrier and Mr Person are joined by pianist Tammy Hall, (whose recent solo album, "Blue Divine" is also available on Amazon), bassist Buca Necak, drummer Kent Bryson and percussionist Michaelle Goerlitz. A good job is done by all.

As for the sonics.... Well, they could be better. Ms Perrier's voice is nicely presented, front and center. But at various times, various members of the band - particularly Ms Hall's piano - get lost in the mix. Be that as it may, "... Second Time..." is generally a pleasant listening experience.

"The Second Time Around" is an excellent first time introduction to a singer who should be far better known.