![]() The only lighthearted, uptempo selection on the album is the first one, “Makin’ Whoopee,” which here isn’t offered as an anachronistically winking novelty number but as a reminder that relationships may start with a rush of carnality but, very soon, a potentially corrosive vulnerability can ensue. Volume 2 of The Moonlight Sessions is a “concept album,” a program of songs from The Great American Songbook that explores the downside of romantic attachment. Six of the 14 selections have the support of a substantial string section, recorded in Europe and convincingly inserted into the mix.īut none of the above really matters if the vocalist doesn’t deliver, and Stanley continues to up her game. Chuck Berghofer is a steady presence on acoustic bass and several well-known drummers provide an alert rhythmic underpinning. ![]() There are some spectacular solos from these players, Jacob on “The Very Thought of You,” Garson in “Angel Eyes” (to note just two), and extended breaks by other sidemen, including saxophonist Rickey Woodard, trombonist Bob McChesney, and Chuck Finley on trumpet and flugelhorn are equally accomplished. (Volume 1 was released in May both albums are available on SACD and as limited edition 45rpm one-step pressing LPs.) She assembled four groupings of players, three led by superb pianist/arrangers-Mike Garson, Tamir Hendelman, and Christian Jacob-and consistently clear, dimensional, and richly characterized piano sound dominates the accompaniments. But the marketer in Stanley definitely has us-audiophiles-in her sights.īoth sonically and in terms of the musical support she gets from her musicians, The Moonlight Sessions Volume 2 is up to Stanley’s usual standard. To be sure, she has a following among jazzbos who are devotees of the great chanteuses of the past and present. Stanley has sold around 36,000 LPs, SACDs, and reel-to-reel tapes to date, a remarkable number for a jazz singer who doesn’t belong to a label. ![]() Early on in her improbable career-Stanley has been singing seriously for only six or seven years, after decades as a marketing professional and success as a competitive ballroom dancer-Grundman advised her to attend audio shows, and she’s become a distinctive presence roaming the hallways at RMAF, AXPONA, and even Munich, dressed to the nines with a bag of discs in tow. She’s hired veteran engineer Al Schmitt and mastering maven Bernie Grundman for all of her projects, books time at the best LA and New York City studios, and has paid A-list musicians to assist in realizing her ideas. ![]() She recognizes the importance of good sound to advancing a musical message and spares no expense to achieve this end. Does the release of Lyn Stanley’s latest album, her fifth since 2013, warrant a full page of coverage in this magazine? I think it does, as Stanley is one of us. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |