Customer Reviews

When Did You Leave Heaven

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Fans of Lisa Ekdahl probably know her for her folksy style in Swedish (and I recommend anything she's done in Swedish wholeheartedly). This first English-language product is missing some of the key elements that attract listeners to her Swedish-language stuff, e.g. her excellent pitch flourishes and light accoustic guitar accompaniment, but this album is a stand-alone work anyway. Jazzier and less folksy in style, Lisa shows off her musical breadth here a bit.

I don't know anything about Lisa Ekdahl's singing except what this recording reveals. Apparently, Ms. Ekdahl is a pop singer and has decided to come up with an album with soul. However, most of the standards included here deserve depth and stronger delivery (Lush Life sounds really impotent in execution, for example). This CD, yes, might signify "a jazzy new direction for the artist" as the liner notes go, but it is certainly not "the Best of Contemporary Female Jazz Vocal" as some reviewers argue.

OK so I was seduced by her voice, but this is a beautiful album. It's not quite as strong as her other English-language CD, "Back to Earth" IMO, but it is nonetheless excellent...she's still expressive and sultry, and the backing trio is very very solid. If you want some background music while you read on Sunday morning in your flannel pjs, or while you decorate the Christmas tree, this is it. "Cry Me a River", "Lush Life", "Blame it on My Youth", and the title track are standouts. If I can't marry her, can I at least get her to make another CD with the Nordahl Trio? Please??

With a sweet little girl voice, something like a younger sounding Rickie Lee Jones, Swedish singer Lisa Ekdahl does refreshing interpretations on her 2nd English only Jazz standard CD. She doesn't have the wind or power of an Ella Fitzgerald, but she makes up for it in a different way, with charm. The other major highlight is the back up trio: Peter Nordahl on piano, Ronnie Gardiner on drums, & Patrik Boman on bass. Peter Nordahl at times sounds like a wild Bill Evans, kicking on & off the melodies. He makes a very interesting listen & what I believe is the well welcome stand out. If you like this CD, try the one before: "Back to Earth".

Lisa's voice is enchanting. Her timbre, phrasing, and playfulness with the music reveal a real understanding of the Classic Jazz genre. The mix of titles on this CD flows very well. I am extremely happy to have this CD in my collection.

For fans of Lisa Ekdahl, this will be an interesting find. Recorded in 1995, this is a 'greats of jazz' collection, offering those unfamilar with her sweeping and original folk vocalisations (in Swedish) a chance to hear her sing - this time in English! Gone are the lovely and intricate guitar parts we love from her original work. Here are jazz standards presented in her unique and confident style, with the contemporary sounds of the Peter Nordahl Trio (Piano, Bass, Drums).
ULTRA SMOOTH.............

Miss Ekdahl is doing more for Swedish culture than Abba, Absolute, Bergman and hardcore.

This cd could be combined with her later 'Back to Earth' and entitled 'The Best of Contempory Female Jazz Vocal'. To call it sexy is something of an understatement. Atmoshpheric, sensual, poetic, dreamy, mellow, blue...

I think that this is a really fun CD and a good intro to vocal jazz.

Ms. Ekdahl's voice is both lovely and unique and really meshes well with these songs. She almost sounds like a 20's or 30's cabaret singer. "But Not For Me", "Cry Me a River", and "Lush Life" are the standout tracks to me, along with the title cut.

The backing trio is also quite good, and definetly enhances the experience. They don't seem to try to stand out above the singer, but play their parts dutifuly and with style.

The first time I heard this CD was at a local bookstore where they were playing it as background music. I thought to myself 'This is really catchy' and I immediately went to the music department to ask what they were playing and was going to buy it on the spot only they were out of stock. I noticed other customer's in the store were paying attention too - a few were even snapping their fingers to the music. I should mention I'd never really listened to jazz music at all before this, much less considered buying a CD, but I thought this CD was worth it after hearing only a little of it in the store. I think that anyone who gives it a shot will probably feel similarly to me.

I'm not a expert on vocal jazz, and some reviews I've heard of this CD criticize Ms. Ekdahl for lack of mature phrasing etc. On this I'm not really in a position to comment, but what I do know is that these songs are performed well and are very fun.

Truly a unique voice. Part little girl, part Ella Fitzgerald. A good album, worth a buy

This album has all the style of the classics, while still maintaining the punch of contemporary jazz. Since purchasing this album, my husband and I have enjoyed the upbeat songs like "Not for me" and the slower tunes, such as the title-track, "When did you leave heaven?" We are purchasing a few extra copies for Christmas gifts. Do yourself a favor and get this album!!