Review: Jazz Singer LYN STANLEY Releases Sizzling INTERLUDES
Jazz singer par excellence Lyn Stanley never ceases to amaze. A mere two years ago in 2013 she debuted her very first album Lost in Romance, which became an overnight sensation worldwide. Last year she premiered her second Potions From the 50s and now in 2015 we are more than thrilled to have her third CD Interludes, which I predict will be her biggest hit to date. Over 5,000 customers have already pre-ordered the album, so Stanley is well on her way to becoming a jazz superstar. She is already at the top of the market in Japan. It is no wonder, as not only does she possess a deep and rich velvety smooth voice but the CDs are fabulously produced. She is backed by a magnificent orchestra, sings splendid arrangements and...the CD itself is packaged divinely. There are beautiful black and white photos with just a touch of red showing up here and there. Lyn Stanley and Interludes are a class act.
In her CD release show for Potions at Upstairs at Vitello's in 2014, Stanley sang a lovely rendition of "Boulevard of Broken Dreams" which she stated then would perhaps be one of the rarely recorded songs on her next album. It is lesser known but so unusual, and it is indeed featured on Interludes. I can only describe it as deliciously different and exotic-sounding that pulls you in; you are instantly attracted to it, almost as you are with Stanley, who lends it her unique brand of storytelling and phrasing. As you listen, you find yourself being nailed like a spider to a web. She has you...you do not resist, but give in passionately!
Other great highlights of the album include the opener "How Long Has This Been Going On?", the infectious "Just One of Those Things", a captivating "More Than You Know", a deliriously appealing "Nice 'n Easy", the aforementioned "Boulevard of Broken Dreams", two rarely sung and hauntingly beautiful tunes "Last Tango in Paris" and "Black Velvet", and my personal favorite of all, in which Frank Sinatra had a hand in composing: "I'm a Fool to Want You", all delivered by Stanley at the top of her form.
What makes Stanley a wonderful performer/singer is that like a fine actress, she delivers the song as if she were doing it for the first time, telling the story with perfect diction, expert phrasing and timing.
The great musicians backing Stanley up are Bill Cunliffe on piano; Chuck Berghofer on bass; drums Ray Brinker/Paul Kreibich; on guitar John Chiodini; trombone, Bob McChesney; on harmonica. Henrick Meurkens; on percussion, Brad Dutz and on cello, Cecilia Tsan. Steve Rawlins finger snaps on "Boulevard of Broken Dreams". And in Interludes, Miss Stanley does a duet with guitarist John Chiodini on the closing "I'm a Fool to Want You".
Interludes is triumphant in every way. It is easy listening at its best. Lyn Stanley's pure alto and her hand-picked musicians are keeping the best music ever preserved for all eternity. Future generations will get to know the Gershwins, Harry Warren, Sammy Cahn, Billie Holiday, the Begmans and Sinatra. Bravo!
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