Gardot thrills
Submitted by Jazz Suite
The problem with the majority of modern jazz singers, in my opinion, is there is a basic lack of soul. Sure, all the notes are in the right places, but whether it be a tired rehashing of some old musical warhorse for the masses, an over-polished delivery, an inability to sell the lyrics, or arrangements that sound canned, today’s vocal jazz seriously lacks what Frank Sinatra, Julie London and the like brought to the table.
What you wind up with is background music, ideal for playing when you aren’t really listening.
Few break this mold. Melody Gardot does.
Compared to aficionados, my introduction to Gardot probably came late. It was due to a promotional e-mail that found its way to my inbox. The site featured a bit from her new album, My One and Only Thrill. It blew me away.
Here was a singer who didn’t sound like she was singing for the ninth grade show choir. Here was a string arrangement that caressed the vocals. Here was an original song with thoughtful lyrics, and a delivery which conveyed the emotion attached.
For the first time in a long time, I was eagerly waiting for the release of a modern jazz vocal album.
And it didn’t disappoint. Front to back, this is a very listenable album filled with fresh ideas. Vince Mendoza’s arrangements are top notch, never sounding tired or reused, poetically supporting the vocalist’s efforts. Gardot’s piano and guitar work reflect her voice. Intimate. Subtle. Not necessarily popular words these days.
And what a lyricist. It may be hard to believe someone so young could pack so much into her lyrics, but then, she has experienced a lot more that many of us in her short time here on earth.
Likely, commercial interests will lump her in with the usual suspects, the inevitable comparisons to Billie Holiday, etc., etc. Don’t be fooled. Like Madeleine Peyroux, Gardot isn’t an imitator, she’s bringing her own thing to the table.
And what a sweet thing that is.
Highly recommended. Sphere: Related Content
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