Long considered one of the finest singers in the jazz world, Cassandra Wilson's new album is a tour de force of emotion, technique, interpretation and style as she brings her considerable powers to this collection of classic songs. Once again she has gathered a band of shining talent, featuring the brilliant Jason Moran on Piano with guitarist Marvin Sewell and Lonnie Plaxico on bass - a band that is so good together that Cassandra was happy to sit in the producer's chair and let the songs speak for themselves. Featuring incredible interpretations of the classics like Black Orpheus, Caravan, and The Very Thought of You, Cassandra is one of the few singers that can genuinely re-invent a song that we all think we know, such as Wouldn't It Be Loverly and turn it breathe new emotional life into it. However, the standout track has to be the stunning funky, soulful, brooding St. James Infirmary which has become a staple of her live set
Cassandra Wilson's Loverly is something more than just her unique spin on songs from long ago. For this set, she has assembled an impressive core group of musicians to accompany her: Jason Moran on piano, Lonnie Plaxico on acoustic upright bass, and Marvin Sewell on guitar. Her low and hypnotic contralto glides so knowingly through each song that they would seem to be of her own creation--but aren't. To be sure, each of the 12 songs found on Loverly are stamped with her trademark Delta-baby, bluesy style (most noticeably on "Dust My Broom"). But Wilson and company have taken it one step further by turning tear-jerkers such as "Til There Was You" and "The Very Thought of You" into sultry bubblers that invite ballads into the bedroom. Throw in the moody "Black Orpheus" and her funky, down-to-business take on "St. James Infirmary," and it doesn't take long to realize that Loverly is a complete attempt to satisfy the soul; a sexy mesh that dares rival anything Cassandra Wilson has released before it. --Eric C.P. Martin
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.0 / 5.0
... blows a serious blues jones . . .:
Wouldn't it be? Wilson thinks so, as she inhales a Southern aire and blows a serious blues jones into the lungs of these somewhat shopworn mannequins, breathing heat back into their Broadway bones. "Spring Can Really Hang You Up the Most" is a bittersweet treat. "Wouldn't It Be Loverly?" blithely skips over the crumbling concrete of disappointment. "Black Orpheus" is all haloed streetlamps in a midnight fog. Throughout, Wilson's warmth is palpable, heightened by the "liveness" of the recording. Wilson sings... more info
Unpretentious yet masterly:
Cassandra Wilson at her best.
Wonderful, interesting interpretations of well-known songs with a team of musician who really bring out the best of Cassandra.
My favorite: Caravan! Rarely presented with such cool.
Contrary to some of the other reviewers I judge Ms Wilson's detached and apparently uncommitted way of delivering the songs as a great asset of this CD.
Loverly:
This CD will go down as one of the best jazz CD's ever recorded!!! Please Buy It! Run don't walk!!!!
Low energy performances:
Ms. Wilson seems to be missing the energy to deliver much excitement in these songs. Maybe good bedtime music.
Tracks:
Lover Come Back to Me - Cassandra Wilson, Hammerstein, Oscar
A Day In The Life Of A Fool - Cassandra Wilson, Bonfa, Luiz
Wouldn't It Be Loverly - Cassandra Wilson, Lerner, Alan Jay
Gone with the Wind - Cassandra Wilson, Magidson, Herbert
Caravan - Cassandra Wilson, Ellington, Duke
'Til There Was You - Cassandra Wilson, Willson, Meredith
Spring Can Really Hang You Up the Most - Cassandra Wilson, Laudesman, F.
Arere - Cassandra Wilson, Babalola
St. James Infirmary - Cassandra Wilson, Mills, Irving
Dust My Broom - Cassandra Wilson, James, Elmore [1]
The Very Thought of You - Cassandra Wilson, Noble, Ray
