Glorious Gloria Lynne
B. Scott | New York, NY United States | 07/23/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Miss Gloria Lynne is like a fine wine that just gets better with time!! Her most recent album "From My Heart To Yours" opens with a song called "The Secret O' Life" which she delivers with authority, confidence and a touch of mellowness making you one sit back, close your eyes and reflect on life. Her interpretation of "My Funny Valentine" breathes new life into this standard and leaves the listener wanting more. Despite the fact that this song has been covered by many artists, no one quite delivers it with the poignancy that Miss Lynne manages throughout the song. This is followed by a cover of Barbara Striesand's 1976 hit "Evergreen" which Miss Lynne sings passionately therebye making the listener feel as though she has experienced the same heartbreak.
"Wild as The Wind" often associated with Miss Nina Simone, and was sung wonderfully on Miss Lynne's 1962 album "He Needs Me", is interpreted differently this time around with musical director John Di Martino on piano and Miss Lynne's vocals capturing a special balance between the two, whereby every nuance is heard. She does not take artistic liberty and change harmonies, but simply sings the song focusing on the words and their meaning; something only a seasoned singer can do. The next track "I Could Make You Care" is a nice jazzy littel number that lends itslef well to her wonderful voice and the chemistry she has with the musicians. Solos can be heard by Gregg Skaff on guitar, Vincent Ector on drums, Leon Lee Dorsey on bass, with John Di martino on piano adding the necessary touch needed to make this the perfect song.
Miss Lynne's interpretation of Rodger & Hart's classic "Mountain Greenery" is like going to a picnic after church. The slow tempo introduction picks up as the tamborines are added by her son and fellow musician, P.J. Allen. Miss Lynne's interpretation of Doris Day's big hit in 1956 with "It's Magic", is nothing short of a cool, jazzy journey through time, and proves that when one poesses pure, smooth vocal quality, it is possible to perfect perfection. Track number 8 "These Are Such Things" is a beautiful song wriiten by longtime ASCAP president Stanely Adams and is mostly a voice-and-piano duet clearly demonstrating Miss Lynne's ability to put the audience under her spell. Her vocals on "How Do You Keep The Music Playing" are strong, haunting, passionate and sounds marvelous with just the guitar of John Skaff.
"Shangri-La," according to the ditionary means "heavenly" and this song indeed is full of love, fantasy and magic. Listen for David "Fathead" Newman on the flute. Simply stated, Miss Lynne's interpretation of this 1946 classic is nothing less than heavenly. The album closes with my personal favorite "Can You Read My Mind" from the movie "Superman". Miss Lynne's delivery is both powerful and playful and leaves you feeling triumphant.
This is a fine album to add to your collection especially if you are a jazz enthusiast and/or a fan of the fabulous Miss Gloria Lynne. Her voice has mellowed over time which adds to the richness of her vocal range and life experiences. So from my lips to your ears I highly recommend Miss Gloria Lynne's most recent album "From My Heart To Yours.""
Track Listings (11) - Disc #1