Search - Lorraine Feather :: Language

21st Century Lorraine

Rick Cornell | Reno, Nv USA | 04/17/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Hitherto, Lorraine Feather has been known as the ultra-witty lyricist and vastly underrated jazz singer who has brought modern vocalese sensibilities to chestnuts of Duke Ellington and Fats Waller. And, in that regard, "Such Sweet Thunder" and "New York City Drag," respectively, are two of my favorite c.d.'s of this decade.



But the day of reckoning is here. There is only so long an artist can do that sort of thing. For one, getting the copyright permission from the estates of such jazz giants, so that such vocalese productions may be possible, is a pain in the rear. But more importantly, for two, an artist has to grow and not be pigeon-holed.



So, in that spirit this newest Lorraine Feather c.d. consists of music by people such as the accomplished pianist here, Shelly Berg, that is jazzy and sounds similar to the giants above-named (in fact, "A Household Name" and "Making It Up As We Go Along" sound like they could have been lifted from "Drag"), but consist of sharply-drawn observations of modern-day life.



We have here observations of: how a.m. radio has become the chronicler of modern urban daily angst ("Traffic and Weather"); a society rife with sports cliches ("Hit the Ground Runnin'"); the young star-wannabe who must resort to the scut work of waitressing while awaiting her dream of "superstardom" ("Waiting Tables"); annoying corporate programmed telephone messages ("We Appreciate Your Patience" - why do corporations or governments tell you to go their websites, when you're on the damned phone, anyway?!), modern societal angst in general ("Very Unbecoming" - reminiscent of Woody Allen's worry that "the universe is expanding"!); the increasing importance of the sanctuary of home ("Home Alone"); and the maddening state of misplacing one's keys ("Where Are My Keys"; and as a card-carrying space cadet myself, I most certainly identify!).



And two gorgeous ballads. My favorites from this disc are the lovely "I Love New York At Christmas" and "In Flower."



None of this gets immediate belly-laughs, such as "Garden Gate Part II" from "Drag" or "Imaginary Guy" from "Thunder." But it's very sharply written and gets a lot of smiles and winks. And this c.d.'s music grows on you. I've listened to it about 4 times, now, and have enjoyed it more each time. And I've grown to appreciate more and more Lorraine Feather's techniques as a singer. Her sense of diction and pitch is second to none.



My only quibble is truly a quibble. Lorraine managed to finagle Tierney Sutton, Janis Siegel and Cheryl Bentyne to sing backup. I mean, when I die, if I'm met at the Gates by a choir of those four, I will know that my life was very well lived. (And given the relative ages of all, the probability of that happening is very small, I know!) But the 3 giants are truly "Vandellas" here. What a c.d. it would be, to have these four as "four Marthas"! There's something to look forward to! RC"

Witty and sophisticated

Gail F. Roberts | Dallas, TX United States | 07/10/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"We heard an interview with Lorraine Feather on NPR and were intrigued by her concept and talent. I bought the CD for my husband for Father's Day and he plays it at work, in the car, on the computer at home. She's an awesome voice, coupled with a talented songwriter and a witty and intelligent blending of humor and soul. This is a must have for fans of jazz."

A "Language" I understand...

Betty Joos | Sautee, GA USA | 05/29/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I heard Ms. Feather on NPR and also heard renditions of some of the songs on this album. As a lover of jazz, I found her vocalizations not only musically enjoyable, but I could understand and appreciate the lyrics as well. And you can get a lift and a laugh from most of them. Even if you have played the album numerous times and are no longer listening to the lyrics, the jazz musicians accompanying her provide a very satisfying jazz mood.



All in all, I'm glad I "discovered" Ms. Feather. Thanks, NPR (and Amazon for always making my shopping easier)."