Customer Reviews

Slow

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

All I can say is WOW (!!) about jazz/pop/cabaret singer, pianist, song writer Ann Hampton Callaway's CD "Slow!" The charismatic Ms. Callaway has long been one of my favorite contemporary vocalists and I think this is her finest album. She delivers here an extraordinary selection of love songs and ballads with her lush, refined three-octave voice and classy style. In a recent interview she commented, "It's a record that reflects who am I right now and where I am at this moment in time."

"Never Let Me Go" is one of my all time favorite songs, and Ms. Callaway illuminates the music and lyrics with her interpretation. The extremely moving "My Answered Prayer," and the soulful, bluesy "Never Really Mine to Lose," are self-penned album highlights. And she is simply sultry in "Lullaby in Blue." Another "Slow" feature is the duet by Ann and her sister Liz Callaway. They sing and scat together on a fantastic version of Van Morrison's "Moondance."

The artist is a long time admirer of Carole King's, and was quite surprised to discover that Ms. King reciprocates these feelings in a big way. The two collaborate here on "Tonight You're All Mine," a song they wrote together for "Slow," and Ann does a wonderful cover of Carole King's, (and the Shirelles'), hit "Will You Love Me Tomorrow?" King told Ann during the recording sessions that, "her voice is the voice she hears in her head when she sits down to compose her own songs." These cuts are real gems!

Outstanding accompaniment comes from pianist Ted Rosenthal, bassist Jay Leonhart and drummer Victor Lewis. Trumpeter Randy Brecker and trombonist Robin Eubanks make cameos, as do Rodney Jones and Romero Lubambo on guitar

Ms Callaway has recorded over 40 CD's as a soloist and guest artist combined. She was the first person granted permission by Cole Porter's estate to write music for a previously unrecorded Porter lyric, "I Gaze In Your Eyes." The Chicago Tribune has lauded her as "the best equipped jazz vocalist swinging today." If you have never heard her sing, then you are in store for an real treat!
JANA

I have been a fan of Ms. Callaway's for many years, usually finding at least several songs that I truly love on all of her CDs. This, however, is the first CD that I love from beginning to end, with no reservations, from the very first listen. It's beautiful. Her voice has never sounded better (and what a voice it is!) and in my opinion, her song selection and arrangements have never been stronger. Finally, Ann has managed to fill a whole disc with moments of sheer perfection like her version of "A Quiet Thing" was on Bring Back Romance.

This is a stunning, romantic collection of songs. Ann Hampton Callaway has made a contemporary album for grown-ups. She is one of the world's great presenters of standards, but shows here as a modern interpreter, she can outclass current rage, Anita Baker-no small feat. I would question the taste and the motives of anyone who says they enjoy great music--or who claims to appreciate Callaway--who doesn't like this CD. Puts Krall and Monheit to shame. This is a gem for all time.

Ann Hampton Callaway is my home-girl - from Chicago. She's a singer/pianist/songwriter of considerable talents. What's more, she has a pretty voice that is easy to listen to. I've liked her recordings before, but I love "slow." It's a bit torchy, and a lot romantic. The song she wrote and recorded with Carole King is a draw, but just wait until you hear the way she does "Will You Love Me Tomorrow!"

I love each of Ann Hampton Callaway's cds, but this one blew me away. It's wonderful. Her voice is smooth, powerful, sexy. These songs are all gorgeous, but I'd have to give "You Belong To Me" the nod as my favorite. Listen to this cd with someone you love.

Of all the currently reigning jazz divas--Bentyne, Allyson, Sutton (Krall and Monheit may have an edge in popularity but not in chops)--Callaway is blessed with the most impressive instrument, it seems to me--one that even summons up the memory of the Divine One, Sarah Vaughan. The fact that one of her albums is a tribute not to Sarah but to Ella is testimony to the technique she possesses in addition to that sumptuous voice.

Ann scats and swings with the best of them, but if you already have her debut or Ella sessions, then "Slow" belongs in the "essential" category. "Never Let Me Go" is increasingly becoming a sort of litmus test for singers, and I've never heard a performance that passes with such flying colors (though Nnenna Freelon's understated version on "Heritage" deserves equal consideration). Simply put, Calloway demonstrates that a rich, professionally-trained voice and a "natural" communicativeness are not mutually exclusive. The phrasing, dynamics, sense of melodic line all contribute to a performance of undeniable emotional power. With the climactic question, "You wouldn't hurt me, would you?," she rips your heart out.

If the remaining song choices on this album strike your fancy, rate it five stars plus, because it's unlikely you'll hear stronger interpretations by anyone, past or present.

If you're wondering whether to purchase or to download this CD, listen to Ann Hampton Callaway's rendition of "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow", along with "I've Dreamed of You." Both are sung with such emotional depth and power. Both are incredibly beautiful. If you like Jazz Vocal performances, then those two tracks alone will leave you in awe at her talent, if they don't leave you in tears at the beauty of her singing. Ann really wraps herself around these songs, rendering them with emotional richness. She has a great vocal range as well. If her voice doesn't wow you at first, it will grow on you. The more I listen to her, the more I'm amazed at her ability as a song writer and as a performer.

Ann Hampton Callaway is one of my favorite "divas," so my review is naturally and unashamedly biased. I have never been disappointed with a CD or a performance by this remarkable woman. I adore the versatility she displays on this CD. With "Slow," A.H.C. gives us a romantic, sultry, sexy companion to the vivacious and energentic feel of "Signature." And...when you see her perform live, your emotions soar and she seamlessly weaves pop, jazz, cabaret and romance. Buy "Slow" for those quiet evenings at home. Buy "Signature" for those cocktail and conversation parties. Adore A.H.C. and you can't go wrong! As it says on her website, "Ann Hampton Callaway is an inspiring and maverick spirit in the entertainment world."

I have seen Ann Hampton Callaway perform many times over the last eight years, and she never ceases to amaze. This CD is no exception! It is truly amazing and beautiful. In her voice you can feel the love and compassion she has in her heart for her craft and the people in her life. It's hard to pick a favorite song on this CD. The song, "Tonight, You're All Mine," with Carole King is one of the sexiest songs ever written. In "Moondance," the duet with Ann's sister Liz Callaway, you can tell they have been singing together all of their lives. If you want more of a great thing, purchase their CD entitled, "Sibling Revelry!

That Is What This Cd Is For Me!!! Ann Hampton Callaway Has Released Her Best Cd In Years!!! Featuring Songs She Wrote In Her Own Wonderful Way!!! The Cd Is Jazz Pop Heaven!!! Her Versions Of The Standards Are Also Gorgeous!!! Her Take On "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow" Is Tender & Heartfelt & The Title Track Is Becoming One Of My Favorite Songs Of All Time!!!! I Hope She Continues To Record Her Own Songs...What A Talent!!!