On this HeavyWood re-issue, Vocalist Rebecca Kilgore presents a beautifully interpreted collection of 16 standards, originally released on her own label, Moonburn Records.
On this HeavyWood re-issue, Vocalist Rebecca Kilgore presents a beautifully interpreted collection of 16 standards, originally released on her own label, Moonburn Records.
CD Reviews
Stellar
E. C Goodstein | Northern CA United States | 06/30/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The album that captures Kilgore with her Portland trio. And one of her very best, which is definitely saying something. This album has somewhat more contemporary
jazz backing (esp. harmonies) than her work with 'neo-trads' like Hal Smith or John Sheridan, or even somewhat similar Keith Ingram albums on Jump. But no less
compelling-- very fine playing, & her voice in top form I think. If you like bright voiced jazz vocals akin to Maxine Sullivan, or say would like to hear a more jazz Doris Day, check this out!"
Great Moments Indeed
E. C Goodstein | Northern CA United States | 05/09/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Rebecca Kilgore is one of the best jazz singers to emerge in the last ten years, and has quietly created a catalogue of great albums. "Moments Like This" is another one to add to her impressive list, and may be the best yet! This time, she records with her "regular" trio from Portland, Oregon and demonstrates just how a singer can be bluesy and sentimental at the same time, and swing to boot, abetted by superb, complex but never overbearing, accompaniment. Her lovely warm voice recalls Peggy Lee, the jazz side of Doris Day, and occasionally Blossom Dearie and Susannah McCorkle, but is unquestionably individual. She breathes new life into chestnuts like "Dream" and "This Can't be Love," as well as finding "newer"obscure gems, including "Summer Song" by Dave Brubeck, & Herb Ellis's, "I Told You I Love Ya." If you like jazz and "classic pop" vocals, you will love this album."
Portland's Secret Is No More
Steve Emerine | Tucson, AZ United States | 09/07/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Rebecca Kilgore, perhaps the best-kept secret in current female jazz singing, records on this CD with Randy Porter, Neil Masson and Scott Steed, the musicians who regularly accompany her in Portland, Oregon. The 16-tune result will remind you at times of Chris Connor, Anita O'Day, June Christy or perhaps even Peggy Lee -- and then you'll realize it is none of them. It's Rebecca Kilgore, a solid performer in her own right, presenting both familiar and not-so-familiar songs you won't forget. Becky has had some hits on the Arbors label, but this hometown recording is as good or better. Thanks, Portland, for sharing your secret."
"You're The Song I Sing . . . And The Book I Read"
Rebecca*rhapsodyinblue* | CA USA | 01/05/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
""Becky sings with a beautiful clear sound, a great sense of time and swing, and a heartfelt unpretentiousness." ~ Dave Frishberg ~
I am a lover of standards from the Great American Songbook - music of 1930s and 1940s. Standards are like the torch that's been passed on from every generation. And naturally I am always impressed with exceptional singers and musicians who interpret these songs with passion and respect for the true essence of each song. They are the keepers of the flame that give the Great American Songbook a timeless appeal it deserves. Rebecca Kilgore is one passionate interpreter of standards whom I first heard from a weekly radio show that I love to listen to - "Radio Deluxe with John Pizzarelli." She impressed me with her strikingly elegant vocal jazz style and this CD, "Moments Like This" is a testament with its sixteen songs recorded in the loveliest jazz settings. She is ably supported a trio of creative musicians - Randy Porter on piano, Neil Masson on drums and Scott Stead on bass. The trio's world-class musicianship and Ms. Kilgore's stylishly vocal technique artfully blended to make their interpretations truly outstanding.
She presents the playful yet elegant spirit of jazz in most of the tracks notably "I Told Ya I Love Ya" ("Now Get Out!") and "Oh, You Crazy Moon." She sings "Dream" with a charming Bossa Nova rhythm that is so pleasing to the ears and would have surely made Johnny Mercer beam with joy. The Latin groove continues with a danceable rendition of "Miami Beach Rhumba."
"This Can't Be Love" is the perfect finale to this jazz vocal presentation and is rendered in a swinging fashion. Her crystalline voice, flawless phrasing and an innate creativity in scatting can't just be ignored. This is especially true with what Bucky Pizzarelli, one of the finest guitarists of all-time, once said: "If Benny Goodman were alive today, he'd hire Becky to sing in his band."
The song that is particularly appealing to me is "You're My Everything" done in a finger-snapping jazzy manner. Co-writers Mort Dixon and Joe Young supplied the lyrics to the beautiful melody by one of my favorite non-classical composers, Harry Warren. Michael Feinstein, who once invited Ms. Kilgore to sing at his Carnegie Hall concert a few years back, also recorded this song in a lovely CD, Hopeless Romantics with George Shearing accompanying him on piano.
"You're the song I sing
And the book I read
You're a way beyond belief
And just to make it brief
You're my winter, summer, spring
My everything"
Rebecca Kilgore is one of the most impressive jazz stylists of today whose artistry deserves to be appreciated not only by jazz enthusiasts but also by everyone who enjoys fine music.
This CD is a keeper and I will certainly recommend it, not to mention another two of her beautiful recordings such as It's Easy to Remember with John Miller on lone guitar accompaniment and Looking at You with Dave Frishberg on piano.
Track Listings (16) - Disc #1