Customer Reviews

What Love Is

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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

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.

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.

I came across this cd on aolmusic.com and gave it a full listen....I'd never heard her nor of her, but I like to listen to fresh talent, and boy was I impressed!! I love the first track especially, Someone to Love, and also Make you Happy are my favourites. The emotion, the smoothness of her voice....Any lover of Jazz this is for you! Her voice is soo smooth yet powerful at the same time at all the right points. All the best Erin... U ARE BLESSED!

I found Erin Boehme on a small six-song sampler that they were giving out at Barnes & Noble. The other two artists were good (I even bought some of their stuff) but Ms. Boehme is a gem! I was never that big a fan of Sinatra (the man) but his music is excellent and Erin Boehme makes it even more compelling. I can't wait for another release by this artist!

I have bought lofty amounts of music from amazon and others spaning many genres but never compelled to write a review as much as I was for "what love is". What an inspiration to the music world, Erin is certainly at another level from what is available with todays young jazz singers. Her voice will amaze and seduce you simultaneously. Get this recording you will not be disappointed, only hope she continues on her quest and brings us more superb jazz vocals.

I really enjoy this CD, It's the type of music you come home to after a long day. I grab my favorite spot on the couch with a fine scotch and just stare into space. It has that musical flair of when people dressed up really nice to go out for an evening to watch their favorite singer on stage with one mic, a spotlight and an orchestra. Her vocal styles are very un-rushed and although slightly too smooth sometimes it's still a wonderful piece of music.
- Ervin

I bought this cd a couple of years ago, played it a couple of times and put it back on the shelf only to rediscover again a few months ago. Boy what a few years can do for your taste is music. This young gal is a jazz phenom. I have no idea why she doesn't have her second album out yet? She could hold court with the likes of Diana Krall easily. She's just terrific!!! I have listened to this album I bet 2 dozen times over the last couple of months and love it more every time I listen. It's great romance jazz, great easy listening jazz, great dinner music, and great love-making music. She has such style to her vocals. For those audiophiles: the CD is well recorded. Buy this album if you love female jazz vocals. Bravo!

Erin Boheme album is AMAZING!! Her whole album is full of incredible standard and originals. My favorite is "Someone To Love". The song have very full emotion and such beautiful tune. I also adore "One Night With Frank". How she combine Frank's song title into one amazing song. Trust me it sound so good. The wonderful amazing musicians that she work with in the album. Just to amazing for words. She got the best team in Jazz. I can't believe she is only 19 yrs old.. I love the whole cd and I have gotten all my friends and family her cd. Everyone sure enjoy it. Everyone will be singing and dancing along in no time..This is a MUST HAVE album..

This voice...this compilation, simply a God-sent. A must have for any piano jazz fan, with a sensual voice unlike any I've heard. Check out the listed tracks, and see for yourself.