Slow Down

Michelle Walker | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (December 4, 2001)
• Original Release Date: December 1, 2001
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: JGP Records
• ASIN: B00005UPGW
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #515,893 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Review

Michelle was chosen as one of his April 2006 Top Ten jazz performances to see live. Others included, Toots Thielemans, Kenny Werner, Paul Bollenback Trio, Dave Liebman, Bucky Pizzarelli and the Yellowjackets. The Washington-bred jazz vocalist has a penchant for choice pop ballads, but it's her soulful voice and thoughtful interpretations that set her apart. Walker's new recording...has seductive charm... Slow Down is more than a title, it's an invitation that's hard to resist...[and it]...illustrates Walker's soulful and often soul-comforting allure. [She has]...a voice naturally tilted toward the blues end of the jazz spectrum --Mike Joyce, Washington Post

Product Description

Her arrangements of straight-ahead standards and contemporary pop tunes blend genres effortlessly and with a fresh level of originality that is solidifying her own distinctive sound. Dave Nathan at AllAboutJazz.com says, Walker demonstrates an extraordinary degree of musicality. Michelle is often compared to Cassandra Wilson, Nina Simone and Betty Carter in style and tone. Based in New York City, Michelle Walker is a versatile singer blessed with a beautifully distinctive voice. This charismatic jazz vocalist uses an artful blend of blues, bebop, swing and soul that provides a musical playground for her and her band mates. With playful rhythmic expressiveness, Walker brings a level of sophisticated musicality to her lyrical phrasing that reveals her appreciation for mentor Mark Murphy. Yet, it is in her live performances where you hear the influences of Carter, Simone and Wilson. All seem to have provided her with a musical foundation but her study of them does not seem to have skewed her journey to find a singular voice.

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Washington Post Loves Michelle's Debut CD "Slow Down", January 17, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Slow Down (Audio CD)

"Slow Down" seems an especially apt title for jazz vocalist Michelle Walker's new recording. In fact, given the CD's seductive charms and frequently relaxing pulse, "Slow Down" is more than a title, it's an invitation that's hard to resist.
[Go to the site to read the full music review by Mike Joyce.}

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is what great Jazz is supposed to sound like........., December 17, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Slow Down (Audio CD)

This CD is a example of what made jazz so inviting, popular and great to listen to in the first place. The sounds of this artist will move you in the deepest way. It will lift your sprits and/or relax you --depending on the song and your mood. The cuts are familiar yet the twist of style makes them new again. Just can't say enough about it....Look out diana Krall.......

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gold Dust at My Feet, July 23, 2003

By 

agilicairn (Richmond, VA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Slow Down (Audio CD)

I certainly made it to the sunny side of the street when I chanced to hear Michelle Walker this past weekend. What a wonderful voice she has, equally at home interpreting classic favorites and contemporary numbers. And let's not forget the wonderful players she has backing her up -- the bass and guitar work are wonderful, as is the pianist. I got her CD on the spot, one for myself and one to give to a friend.

Do yourself a favor, and get this CD. We have a wonderful "new" jazz artist to treasure!