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Track Listings
| 1. Blue Moon - Richard Rodgers / Lorenz Hart |
| 2. Don't Let Me Be Lonely - James Taylor |
| 3. As The Sun Shines Down On Me - Jacqui Dankworth / Mike Outram |
| 4. Man From Mars - Joni Mitchell |
| 5. Miracle - Jacqui Dankworth |
| 6. My Ship - Kurt Weill / Ira Gershwin |
| 7. In A Sentimental Mood - Duke Ellington |
| 8. September In The Rain - Harry Warren / Al Dublin |
| 9. Teach Me Tonight - Sammy Cahn / Gene De Paul |
| 10. Lucky Charm - Charlie Wood |
| 11. Knocks Me Off My Feet - Steve Wonder |
| 12. Thre It All Away - Bob Dylan |
| 13. You Must Believe In Spring - Michel Legrand |
| 14. Hi Lili, Hi Lo - Branislau Kaper / Helen Deutsch |
Product Description
Review
I must admit I was not expecting to like this record. Firstly, the accompanying press release suggests that it's "headed for coffee tables everywhere". As I don't have a coffee table, I felt a bit disenfranchised.Also the opening track was set to be a cover of "Blue Moon", a song for which I've long harboured an unreasonable hatred.
Little did I know I was about to experience the musical equivalent of a Radox Bath. Within a few minutes I'd sunk deep into the recesses of the sofa; my frown had disappeared, I was relaxed, looked ten years younger and all my hair had grown back. Well maybe the last two are slight exaggerations, but there's little doubt that this album can (if used sensibly) induce the kind of profound sense of wellbeing thata Norah Jones record can only hint at.
As The Sun Shines Down on Medoes inhabit the same kind of musical territory that Ms Jones does, though of courseDankworth's jazz credentials run much deeper. This is reflected in her choice of material ("My Ship", "Teach Me Tonight", "In A Sentimental Mood") but more crucially in her vocal delivery, which is near perfect throughout.
Dankworthkeeps the listener focussed on the song's narrative while displaying a considerable yet unforced dexterity, reminiscent of Chris Connor or some of Claire Martin's earlier recordings. Like Martin, there's a slightly erotic charge to some of her singing ("Teach me Tonight" probably shouldn't be on in the car while your Dad's driving for safety reasons), but it's coupled with a deep understanding of her material, which also takes in a few originals and a spot of singer songwriter introspection (Dylan, James Taylor, Joni Mitchell).
Ms Dankworth's band is headed up by guitarist Mike Outram, whose elegant playing references bossa nova, country music and the more tasteful side of fusion. He's a nimble, accomplished soloist and a sensitive accompanist, capable of pastel washes, shimmering folky chords or juicy bop lines. Drummer Roy Dodds (longtime Eddi Reader accomplice) is a valuable presence too.
This is easy listening in the best sense of the word; Jacqui Dankworth might not shift the same amount of units as Norah Jones, but it's quality that matters, not quantity. Lovely. --Peter Marsh
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BBC i - July 10, 2003
It can induce the kind of profound sense of wellbeing that a Norah Jones record can only hint at
This is by far the best Jacqui Dankworth album so far.
An imaginative selection of standards....her best album so far
This is by far the best Jacqui Dankworth album so far.
An imaginative selection of standards....her best album so far
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
19 of 20 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Jacqui Dankworth has launched her solo career with an album that is simple and spacious, yet defining of her unparalleled silken voice. For years she has been taking part in collaborative projects in which she has made the work of other artists shine out, but having restructured her career since the break up of her previous band, 'Field of Blue', Jacqui has announced her return to the jazz fold with style. The arrangements on her new album, 'As the Sun Shines Down on Me', allow room for Jacqui to freely express a most natural style of improvision, mostly syllable free, that warms and caresses the songs she obviously loves, rather than chiseling them into a shape that is unfamiliar with the listener. Her band is packed with class and experience in the shape of drummer/producer Roy Dodds of Fairground Attraction fame, her brother Alec on bass, formerly with Brubeck, and guitarist from the Dave O'Higgins band, Mike Outram. Roy's delicate drumming and percussion contributions work well with the more flamboyant approaches, from the technically superb double bass work of Alec Dankworth, with Mike Outram holding back his renowned technical prowess to harmonise and provide cushioned chordal support for Dankworth's voice. Make no mistake about it, though, Dankworth's voice is the main event! She has a style all of her own. She displays an effortless mastery of her craft that sounds natural, not contrived. Evidence of a three and a half octave range,and an ability to reach very low and very high pitches whilst not affecting volume or quality of sound production, is something I can't remember being delivered as well before by any other artist I've heard. 'Blue Moon' provides a platform for the album, with the listener knowing from the off that this is indeed a special talent. The title track, 'As the Sun Shines Down', is one of two comositions she has penned herself; a song that is supposed to illustrate a turning over of a new leaf for Jacqui, a positive step in the forward direction. Rather than a solo section, a carefully worked out passage featuring a a two-piece harmony by guitar and vocal, is magical. They really do work well together on this album. 'Don't let Me be Lonely Tonight' is as nice a version of this James Taylor classic as I have heard; again simlicity the name of the game. There are just so many songs that stand out. If you haven't got a copy, get a copy. It is an album with mass appeal that will serve as a worthy introduction to one of the trully great British vocalists of our time.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
I was looking forward to this album as I really liked her earlier CD "For all we know" with the brilliant pianist James Pearson but it's a real disappointment. Unlike the earlier album it doesn't have a genuine jazz feel. It's pleasant enough but lacks an edge - it's more like pleasant pop. Nice but not for me.
Format:Audio CD
I love this CD and play it in the car. I try to sing along but Jacqui does it better than I ever can.
Have heard most of this material live and I do not seem to get fed up with it'
I strongly recommend it.
Have heard most of this material live and I do not seem to get fed up with it'
I strongly recommend it.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Good
My favourite CD - ie the one I play most. Not a terribly esoteric review I will admit but an extremely practical one nonetheless - and short too!
Published on 17 Sep 2006 by Douglas Mcleod
Don't miss this rare treat...
This is a truly wonderful album, and I guarantee you'll hear something new upon every outing. I urge you to add this to your collection.
Published on 31 May 2005
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