COMPOSERS: Cassandra Wilson
LABELS: Blue Note
WORKS: New Moon Daughter
PERFORMER: Cassandra Wilson (vcl); Brandon Ross (g); Kevin Briet (g); Lonnie Plaxico (b); Dougie Bowne (d) and others
CATALOGUE NO: CDP 8 37183 2 (distr. EMI)
The US singer’s dreamy debut on Blue Note, Blue Light ’til Dawn, is rightly one of the biggest selling jazz albums of the last two years. Like its predecessor, this eclectic follow-up comprises haunted versions of pop, country and blues tunes as well as some Wilson originals. But this time it is popular songs from Hank Williams, Hoagy Carmichael and even the Monkees which are opiated by Wilson’s sensual contralto and Craig Street’s languid production. A genuine original, since transferring to the Blue Note label, Wilson has further developed her gift for combining whimsy with effortless, affecting musicality. Garry Booth
Cassandra Wilson
The US singer’s dreamy debut on Blue Note, Blue Light ’til Dawn, is rightly one of the biggest selling jazz albums of the last two years. Like its predecessor, this eclectic follow-up comprises haunted versions of pop, country and blues tunes as well as some Wilson originals. But this time it is popular songs from Hank Williams, Hoagy Carmichael and even the Monkees which are opiated by Wilson’s sensual contralto and Craig Street’s languid production.
Our rating
5
Published: January 20, 2012 at 3:08 pm