Customer Reviews

The Nature Of Love

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

 

 

My first interest in this CD was about Jimmy Rowles' fine composition "The Peacocks", also named "A Timeless Place" when the later-written lyrics are added. (This tune is one of the Unsung Heroes on Tierney Sutton's 2000 album of that name)

But to the point, Whitney James gives us real content in this collection of great songs. Her voice is so pleasing and natural the listener is likely not to notice it's large and fluent range until suddenly there's a effortless note about a mile away from one in the previous tune! In her Debut album, Whitney demonstrates mature jazz literacy well beyond her years. She shows wonderful understanding of her mission.

Other fine sounds on this album are from Ingrid Jensen's flugelhorn and Joshua Wolff's piano, both nicely meshed in the project at a high level.

Sit down and listen to this from beginning to end - you'll be glad you did.

As a longtime jazz fan, this is flat-out one of the best jazz albums I've ever listened to, and the reason isn't just Whitney's unique and silky-smooth voice, it's also the uniqueness she brings to each song -- she manages to keep what makes each song a classic, but also imparts a warmth and personality to them that will really stay with you.

She's also chosen an absolutely impeccable list of songs to record, from her smoky-sweet take on "Tenderly" to start things off, to the gorgeous "Long Ago and Far Away," a sweet, yearning, upbeat and under-recorded standard that deserves the showpiece she gives it here. "Whisper Not" is a playful and jazzy take that lets Whitney strut a little, while "The Peacocks" spotlights her sweeter, higher range (along with some gorgeous piano and horns, to boot), and "My love is You" sounds a lovely, mournful note at just the right time.

My favorite tracks on the album (and they're all gorgeous) are the sweet, melancholy "The Very Thought of You" and her unusual, percussive "How Deep is the Ocean" (one of my favorite songs in the world), and the prettiest songs in the bunch, the final two on the CD: "Be Anything," which is a song to sink into while you think of the love you've got -- or the loves that got away -- and "In April," which ends things on a rich, mature and haunting note.

Ultimately, this CD is a great introduction to Whitney's music. Her voice is gorgeous -- smooth, rich and sweet, yet incredibly versatile, and with a superb range, style, and substance. She's able to move from ballad to up-tempo effortlessly, and manages to bring a new take on timeless classics without obscuring what made them so great to begin with. If you love jazz, or great female vocalists from Diana Krall to Sarah Vaughn, or classic standards, you'll love this CD. Just put it on repeat, sit back and relax. Whitney's voice takes you on a journey. (And if you're lucky enough to see her perform live -- run, do not walk! She's even better live.)

This is one of the most moving albums I have bought in a long time. Whitneys vocals are simply amazing. I have listened to the album over and over again and each time I find it better than the last. If you are a jazz lover you must have this album. I also have to add somthing about her instrumental backup on the album - they are exceptional as well.
I must also agree with Angela Mitchell - if you get a chance to see Whitney live - GO! I got to hear her live in St. Pete a few weeks ago and it was absolutely amazing. If you live in the SF Bay area and it is not Feb. 4 yet then buy a ticket to her show - you wont be dissappointed!