Customer Reviews

Sfraga, Barbara: Oh! What A Thrill!

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The more I like it. This is a great album. I've owned it for about 6 months now, and I'm listening to it as I write this. She takes real risks with the material, and it all works beautifully. The version of "Great Balls of Fire" is incredibly sexy, but that's just the start. Her vocal and scatting on the hard-bop/free "Slug it up" is superb and contrasts brilliantly with "Song for my Mother", the last track on the album. This vocalist seems to be able to do it all with incredible ease and real wit. The backing band plays intelligently and with great sensitivity, and all seem to be extremely proficient improvisors in their own right.

I rate this one at 4 stars because I save 5 stars for albums such as "Kind of Blue". This may be a bargain-priced album, but it's far better than many that I have paid 2-3 times as much for. Naxos does it again. I can't wait for her next album.

Barbara Sfraga can sing! She has a voice that will make you smile. It is sensual and exciting. Her rendition of "Great Balls of Fire" is hot. And she can write too! "Song For My Mother" is an original composition that will let you glimpse into her life. She has a permanent place on my CD player!

Barbara Sfraga can sing! She has a voice that will make you smile. It is sensual and exciting. Her rendition of "Great Balls of Fire" is hot. And she can write too! "Song For My Mother" is an original composition that will let you glimpse into her life. I loved everything on this CD. She has a permanent place on my CD player!

The more I like it. This is a great album. I've owned it for about 6 months now, and I'm listening to it as I write this. She takes real risks with the material, and it all works beautifully. The version of "Great Balls of Fire" is incredibly sexy, but that's just the start. Her vocal and scatting on the hard-bop/free "Slug it up" is superb and contrasts brilliantly with "Song for my Mother", the last track on the album. This vocalist seems to be able to do it all with incredible ease and real wit. The backing band plays intelligently and with great sensitivity, and all seem to be extremely proficient improvisors in their own right. I rate this one at 4 stars because I save 5 stars for albums such as Miles Davis' "Kind of Blue" and 'Trane's "A Love Supreme". This may be a bargain-priced album, but it's far better than many that I have paid 2-3 times as much for. Naxos does it again. I can't wait for her next album.

Barbara Sfraga is no spring chicken. She will not be the next Christina Aguilera. But that has its advantages. Not having to worry about being the next Madonna conveys a certain amount of freedom to do your own thing and let the chips far where they may. This album in an interesting mix of standards "I Didn't Know What Time It Was" and originals. The standout track is her cover of Jerry Lee Lewis' "Great Balls of Fire" which has got to be the most unusual version of this tune ever recorded. It works. Unfortunately, the straight jazz treatment of Cream's "Sunshine of Your Love" is less effective absent Jack Bruce's monster bass riff. Her backing band is quite good.

Barbara has a great feel for the music, and her phrasing reminds you of Mark Murphy. The sidemen on this cd give her a great presentation without stepping on her. Her treatment of 'Invitation' a challenge for any vocalist comes off great. The guitar work of Bruce Saunders on this track is beautiful. It's my favorite track.