Customer Reviews

Skylark

5 star:		(62)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(9)
2 star:		(6)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I've been waiting for this CD for 2 years now. I actually met Renee at a dance club back in Nov. 2006, and she said the CD would be released in Jan. 07, but that they wanted to get it right before release. Well, she definitely got it right.

Her voice sounds more mature now, and as always, so wonderful to listen to. She has a style all her own, and so beautiful. And as a swing dancer, there's plenty to dance to on this CD as well. I've always loved Anita O'Day's "Thanks For the Boogie Ride," but Renee does her own take on the classic, and really shines.

My only wish is that "Through the Fire" would have been on the CD. But then it would have probably been delayed even more. If you love Renee, you've gotta have this CD.

I just have to say that this album was one of the best I have heard in a very long time. It's simply stunning that this is an eighteen year old that is okay with singing songs of substance rather than be wearing tight, sleazy clothes and singing about sex and boys like her counterparts. I am a 25 year old who used to love the pop scene (Paris Hilton, Girlicious, etc.) but have found solace in other genre's like classical, jazz, and thanks to this album, will now be listening to more swing. I caught her self titled album as well and was captivated by the range and emotion in her voice at such a young age. This album and the previous will be on repeat on my MP3 player and I cannot wait for a third album. Talent like this must never stop because this is all we have left in an otherwise talentless society nowadays. Just a note to Renee: No matter who criticizes you never sell out; continue to release great remakes and originals and set the tone for others. You don't have to catch up to them, they have to discover you!

....aren't supposed to sing this repertoire this well. Well...there's Jane Monheit, but, great as Jane is, Renee is the new head of the list. (Diana Krall is a pretty white girl, but not young; Madeleine Peyroux is young and white). This record took too long to make, but I forgive whoever slowed it up...it is FABULOUS. Yes, I like gorgeous redheads, but that's irrelevant with singing this good.....

As to specifics...13 tracks...4 original compositions, of which I liked "Midnight in Austin, Texas" the best...9 old standards, that every girl and her sister has done before (some more than others, naturally). Well...it's like hearing them for the first time. "Stars Fell on Alabama"..."When I Fall in Love"..."Ain't We Got Fun"...Renee makes them her own. With Jazz, that's OK...in fact, it's the idea. (If Anna Netrebko did that in "Lucia", it would be a different matter). The Hoagy Carmichael/Johnny Mercer standard "Skylark", the title cut, has been done over and over, but NEVER better (the late Eileen Farrell did it for Reference Recordings ~20 years ago, but she was of an entirely different order of magnitude). Ray Charles recorded "Hit The Road Jack" at least 45 years ago; it's written for a man, but Renee did fine, and was smart enough not to mess with the lyrics.

If you get the idea that I believe this to be a REALLY special album, you're right. In a couple of tracks, including "Stars Fell...", the sound mimicked a 1930s broadcast...that's OK, it wasn't overdone. I do see the earlier reviewer's caveat about the engineering; my sub-woofer got a work-out. That aside, this is one of the greatest Jazz albums I've ever heard. (Yes, Diana, I still love you). The little girl from her self-titled recording is growing up very nicely. Don't fail to grab this....ten stars, at least.

'Skylark' is remarkable! Renee Olstead has a voice that is Sophisticated, Sexy and Beautiful! I can't stop playing 'Skylark'. Every song on this album belongs here and my favorites are; 'Hold Me Now', 'Skylark' and 'You've Changed'! This album is classy & fun and Renee makes every song a joy to listen to! Truly Beautiful! (Skylark and Renee Olstead)

Wow... don't know why it took so long to see this newest album, but it was indeed worth the wait! Yeah, at 21 she still has that amazingly youthful quality but this set is sooooo much more than "cute". David Foster has crafted a sound and style that belies Renee's age and experience and, in fact, establishes a recognizable uniqueness that all singers struggle to find. Picture a mix of Joni James and Ricky Lee Jones... now double the talent level. Unlike many albums, this one is memorable for every track...no weak fillers here. If you love vocal swing with ear-filling, heart-pumping big band accompaniment, then all I can say is BUY IT!!

I bought this album after listening to only a couple of songs and absolutely love it. She is such a great talent and can sing a variety of songs from blues, jazz, ballads, show tunes, big band music, you name it. She is as good as some major celebrities and I'm wondering why someone isn't promoting her to the top. She could do it all. And a duo with Michael Buble would be outstanding.

One afternoon I fell asleep with my TV on. In my sleep, I heard this jazzy mature voice singing a wicked rendition of Summertime. When I sat up and looked at the TV set, I saw this little, curly, red-headded girl belting out like it was no tomarrow. I know the girl was Lauren because I was looking at Still Standing, but I had NO IDEA she could sing. There are no words I can use to convey just how phenonmenal she is! The best compliment I can give is since she is not appearing in the DC Metro Area, I would catch a plane to attend her concert at the nearest venue. I've only said that about Minnie Ripperton and Rosemary Clooney, who both passed away before I could see them in concert, but Ms. Renee Olstead has convinced me to don't delay, don't wait, see her before the year is out.

Wonderful album.Although very frustrating to wait for 3 years. A wonderful collection of music that Renee handles tremedously. She is certainly a talent that will be with us for many , many years. Highly reccomended for anyone who enjoys fresh , new talent!

Renee Olstead is one, if not the best, current Jazz singer, not just because she is only nineteen years old, but irregardless of age. With her magnificent voice, she has the stunning natural ability to connect her music to the audience/listener. Everytime I listen to her CD, I feel that I am part of the music experience and not just listening to it. I hope she makes more CD's, an excellent singer.

This young woman has such a beautiful voice. I have other albums of hers and enjoy listening to them over and over. I hope she continues to put out more.