BWW #TBT CD Reviews: Luba Mason's COLLAGE and KRAZY LOVE are Delightfully Jazzy

I'm rather late to the Luba Mason party. I first took notice of her when I attended a performance of The Civilians' PRETTY FILTHY earlier this year, and I was instantly impressed by her serenely sensual alto instrument. As she is sound checking and prepping to take 54 Below by storm tonight with her brand new cabaret show MIXTURA 2, I've been acquainting myself with her first two solo albums COLLAGE and KRAZY LOVE. Both records are delightfully jazzy collections sure to add some delectable spice to your life.

Released by P.S. Classics on October 5, 2004, Luba Mason's debut solo album COLLAGE showcases her incredibly sexy instrument as she captivates the listener with glittering renditions of beloved songs. She opens the album with a bewitching iteration of the jazzy hit "Moondance" (Van Morrison). Another standout is the stirring "The Calm Before the Storm" (Lou Reed/Rubén Blades), where she sings with effective power. The romantic and up-tempo "6° of Azimuth" showcases her range of and ability to switch between sweetly sung vocals to a pristinely placed belt. Likewise, her version of "I Can See Clearly Now" (Johnny Nash), which features Rubén Blades, is beautiful and perfectly uplifting. Tracks like "Cherry, Cherry" (Neil Diamond) and "Don't Shoot the Hooey to Me, Louie" (Robert B. Sherman and Richard M. Sherman) are sure to encourage dancing. While haunting takes on tunes like "Shamed Into Love" (Elvis Costello/Rubén Blades) tug on our heart strings with their resplendent emotionality.

Sunnyside/Kookie Records released KRAZY LOVE, Luba Mason's sophomore solo album, on January 27, 2009. This disc springs to life with a Brazilian, almost bossa nova, ambience. Again, Luba Mason's vocals across the recording are wondrously seductive and low-key, but she keenly utilizes power when needed. Moreover, on this album, Luba Mason expresses herself as a songwriter, having been involved in writing eight of the 10 tracks. Standouts on the album are the lively and alluringly romantic "Krazy Love," which opens the album; the infectious drums that encourage carefree hip swaying makes "Lovely" absolutely fun; "E ComEsse Que Eu Vou" (Pedro Caetano) is a sweetly sensual tune that radiates Brazil in every beat; and "Xmas in July" is the kind of lulling, beachy slow-jam that simply exudes passion.

Both COLLAGE and KRAZY LOVE are testaments to Luba Mason's enchanting voice, capturing the spirit and majesty of her instrument. Musically, a majority of the two albums are purposefully understated. This approach allows them to be the perfect underscore for a romantic evening with someone special, the music you listen to as you unwind with your favorite wine, or the tunes you take with you to somewhere warm and tropical. Even listening to the albums on the 1 train in New York City, the magic of Luba Mason's voice and these fascinating songs made that specific terrain sparkle just a little bit and feel a little cozier.

Luba Mason's COLLAGE can be purchased from iTunes and Amazon. KRAZY LOZE is for sale on iTunes and Amazon. For more information about Luba Mason, please visit http://lubamason.com. For more information about her new show at 54 Below tonight (April 9, 2015) please visit http://54below.com or call (646) 476-3551.

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