Search - Charmaine Clamor :: Something Good

The Voluptuous Vocals of Charmaine Clamor

Grady Harp | Los Angeles, CA United States | 09/21/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Charmaine Clamor continues her hold on the gutsy singing of jazz vocals with this new album SOMETHING GOOD. Everything she touches bears her personality - her warmth, her seductive style, her unique mixture of Tagalog and English, and her intense musicianship. Though the title of this album fits what is in it, the actual song 'Something Good' is the Rodgers and Hammerstein show tune that is probably the weakest track on the album: it just doesn't get. But Clamor makes up for his misstep with every other song she interprets. Especially touching is the 'Mother Nature Suite' which contains one of the most beautiful renditions of 'Sometimes I feel like a Motherless Chile' and blends that song with some Tagalog songs - all in a homage to the Green Movement.



Clamor's Filipino heritage is show to considerable beauty here: many of the selections are traditional Filipino love songs, playing with the humor of others to bring out the charm - and these support her nickname as performing a Jazzipino artist. Whatever label you place on this intensely gifted singer, this album will certainly satisfy even the most finicky of listeners. It is tough not to fall in love with this beautiful charmer! Grady Harp, September 10"

Something Good? How About Something Great?

ArtSeeker | SoCal | 09/22/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"With her new collection of songs -- jazz, blues, funk, world, Latin, pop, and her signature "jazzipino" -- Charmaine Clamor demonstrates that she's truly in a class of her own. Duke Ellington's highest compliment was to call an artist "beyond category." In this collection, Charmaine Clamor seems determined to elude all the labels. Longtime fans, and I am certainly one of them, know that this amazing vocalist can sing anything, including pop songs with David Byrne and Fatboy Slim. On "Something Good" Clamor proves it. She swings, she purrs, she growls, she croons. And it all sounds amazing.



The arrangements on this album, done by Clamor and her spectacular band, are downright innovative. I'm particularly fond of her take on the title track, the old "Sound of Music" chestnut "Something Good." Let's put it this way: If Julie Andrews had half the soul and sultriness of Charmaine Clamor they would have to give that movie an 'R' rating! Charmaine's "Mother Nature Suite" is a passionate tribute to the Mother of us all, Mother Earth, and I am so moved to hear a contemporary singer apply her tremendous vocal gifts to a meaningful subject.



Even when she does an old jazz tune, like Horace Silver's "Doodlin'," she makes it completely her own. Yes, Charmaine swings her tail off, but she also brings an individuality and sense of humor to her material. Love it!



I have all of Charmaine Clamor's albums. This one takes her art to a whole new level. Even though she's beautiful and she has the voice of a soul angel, I can only recommend this collection of eclectic songs to one highly particular group of people: Those who love great music."