What Love Is

Erin Boheme | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 4, 2006)
• Original Release Date: 2006
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Concord Records
• ASIN: B000E6EIVW
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #158,024 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars 5 Stars for Erin Boheme; 3 Stars for John Burk, June 11, 2006

By 

Rick Cornell "RC" (Reno, Nv USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: What Love Is (Audio CD)

It's not at all unusual for a fledgling jazz singer to debut with a c.d. of songs from the Great American Songbook. But it is unusual for an 18-year-old singer in 2006 to debut with a tribute to Frank Sinatra. I realize that not all 18 -year-old girls listen only to Little Kim, or to the Dixie Chicks, or even to Death Cab for Cutie. But when this happens, as here, the first question I ask is: "What's going on here, really?"

Then, I look at the liner package before plopping the c.d. into the changer, and I see a photo spread of the physically attractive Ms. Boheme, in various "come hither" poses. Almost as blatant as Jane Monheit's "Victoria's Secret" variations of last year. And I say, "Really, what's going on here, really?" I remember the old true story of someone asking Blue Eyes, "Who do you listen to when you want to make out?" And I figure that's where this one is probably headed.

And then I listen. And I hear a slowed-down version of Cole Porter's chestnut, "Let's Do It," done as orgasmically as that song has ever been done, and I say, "It's obvious what's going on here, really. Some a & r guy at Concord has found this talented kid and, like a bunch of Simon Cowells, has said to her, "Kid, if you're ever going to make it in this business, here's what we have to do to you, to capture the smooth jazz, m.o.r. market.'"

Mine is the first non-5-star review of this c.d., but it's not because of Erin Boheme. "La Boheme", as I'm sure she someday will be known, sounds fabulous--especially for an 18-year-old. Her upper register is clear, her lower register is sultry, and as best demonstrated on "Teach Me Tonight," she has the breath control of an old pro.

I just hate seeing packaging like this. Not everybody has to be Diana Krall. Diana Krall didn't start out as Diana Krall, either. John Burk, the senior a & r guy at Concord, is the Executive Producer of this c.d. Hence, the title of this review.

Ironically, the last cut on this c.d. is Ms. Boheme's self-penned, "Don't Be Somethin' You Ain't," also the jazziest cut here. Good advice for a girl from Oshkosh. She ends "Let's Do It" with a laughing, throw-away, "Aw, c'mon, let's just do it." I strongly suspect that that's the real Erin Boheme; and if she is allowed to have a lot more moments like that on the next c.d., that will be a 5-star c.d. RC

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A great start!, January 8, 2007

By 

Jeffrey Kunkel (Maplewood, NJ, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: What Love Is (Audio CD)

Not only is this a very nice debut recording, but it has certainly sparked some interesting commentary. I hope no one takes too seriously the comments of Mr. Rosenzweig - his ludicrous comment about Ms. Boheme not being alive during "Frank's time" says it all - anyone involved in the jazz community knows that current generations of musicians always take inspiration from earlier artists. This is, after all, an early career statement from Ms. Boheme. It shows a lot of talent, a clear - and in tune - delivery, some great arrangements (bravo to Christian Scott's trumpet). Over-produced - obviously, why else allow the density of some of the arrangments to weigh things down? But the listening public should indeed be thnakful that there are young artists out there who are concerned with making great music. Give them a chance to develop some maturity, and the results should be quite promising.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What a voice!, March 15, 2007

By 

David A. Simonson (Phoenix, AZ USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: What Love Is (Audio CD)

I heard Erin's voice on a Christmas collection, and immediately had to go to the liner notes to find out who was singing. Having not heard of her by name before, I went online and found her web site. That was when I was amazed to learn that she is just a teenager. She sounds so much more "seasoned" while singing a style well beyond her years.

Equally impressive is to note that she has composed and co-written most of the songs. A real talent, especially in a style not often associated with someone this young.

After listening to the album several times, I am glad to place it in my collection--somewhere between Diana Krall and Norah Jones, as she seems to blend those two artists and styles. Very nice and sultry. Well done musicianship in the band. A great overall sound, style, and an enjoyable listening event. How nice to hear a "youngster" that someone more "senior" in age can enjoy listening to. I'm looking forward to a follow-up to this album.