All The Wrong Things
To Do
"Ain't got no Basie with
Lester....I ain't got nothing but the Blues" Karen sings from Ellington's
"I Ain't Got Nothing But The Blues." And the Blues is where Karen Angela
Moore's roots are deeply rooted. And that's just fine with me, too, because
she does it so well!
Karen's heart warming
talent in blending an unmistakable mix of Blues and Jazz is equaled only
in her ability to select wonderful musicians to work with, the taste in
presenting such a wonderful, elegant mix of song material, (and such sparkling
arrangements, too). In addition to some unusually fresh renditions of some
very "classic" material, Karen’s exquisite original compositions, including
"Every Time The Moon Turns Blue" and "Right Time For Love" add a wonderful
compliment to this fine recording.
The support of the John
Pizzarelli Trio adds excitement and vitality to this splendid recording.
Perhaps my favorite selection is a graceful ballad selection entitled "
You Must Be Blind" performed as a duet with Karen and John Pizzarelli.
Nice job - Karen and John!
Her performance of songs
like "If I Were A Bell", "It’s Only a Paper Moon", and "The Song Is You"
contributes to making this timeless recording of some of the greatest jazz
and swing classics stands out for being just plain fun to listen to. And
that’s right square in the middle of what music is supposed to be ... FUN!
Reviewed by:
Rob Fisch
Publisher, Jazz Friend Review
One of the least likely places
to find a jazz singer would have to be Nashville, the home of country music.
Karen Angela Moore agrees, considering the song "All The Wrong Things To
Do" symbolic of her situation. For this excellent CD, the husky-voiced
singer was lucky enough to get the services of the John Pizzarelli Trio
(consisting of John on guitar, Martin Pizzarelli on bass and pianist Ray
Kennedy) along with a variety of local musicians to give swinging rhythms
and sensitive accompaniment to her performances. Moore has a voice that
grows in interest with
each listen. Her repertoire consists of fresh standards (including a joyous
"What A Little Moonlight Can Do" ,"I Ain't Got Nothin' But The Blues" and
"The Song Is You"), a few obscurities (Mose Allison's "Everybody Crying
Mercy" and Nat King Cole's "You Must Be Blind") and her own "Every Time
The Moon Turns Blue." Karen Angela Moore uplifts the pieces, her diction
is easy to understand, her voice is occasionally haunting and she swings.
Recommended.
Scott Yanow
L.A Times Jazz Section
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