Dreams and Daggers

So much talent, but inexplciably she's not getting better, she's getting worse. This is a totally unnecessary and unwarranted live recording that fails to capture anything like her best performance. And it's great to mine the American Songbook for mateiral, but by God if you're gonna bring out chestnuts, have something original to say. Who produced this mess anyway? She's also doing the little girl fluttery voice that sounds like an undisciplined child banging on a piano, instead of an artist in control of an exquisite instrument. This is quite a fall off form Woman Child, with precious little to suggest a turnaround. NOT recommended.

These are feast and famine times in the music business. The producers, copyright police, and the privileged elite among the hip hoppers i.e. Taylor Swfit, Bruno Mars,etc.) are good for millions while artists like Roberta Gambarini are subjected to "playing for the door"--even after her singular take on "Sunny Side of the Street." Salvant is an undeniable major talent with Ella and Sarah potential. But she would do well to trust the art of the Great american Songbook. Her take on "You're My Thrill" is close enough to Peggy Lee's (on the album "Black Coffee") to make me search out that warm version. Other tunes by Salvant send me to the standard by which which all subsequent versions must be measured. Sinatra and Nelson Riddle met the new technology of the LP with "concept albums" that tell a story of such compelling emotional truth and disarming honesty that the American pop song was transformed into high art. The challenge for every subsequent artist is to "serve the song" with the same integrity and respect. The performer who uses the song to serve his own talent may receive temporary plaudits but fall short of honoring the art.

You just get better and better. This recording has your wonderful style that sets you aside from all others.

Listening to "You're My Thrill" sent chills up my spine. This woman's voice is sublime. What a beautiful gift. She's one of my absolute favorites. Looking forward to hearing this project in its entirety!