Featured Artist: Joe Beck & Laura Theodore
CD Cover - Buy CD CD Title: Golden Earrings
Year: 2009
Record Label: Whaling City Sound
Style: Jazz Vocals
Musicians: Joe Beck (alto guitar, acoustic guitar), Laura Theodore (vocals)
Review: Joe Beck and Laura Theodore new CD "Golden Earrings" should be a Jazz classic for a lot of reasons. First, it is the last album recorded by Joe Beck before he passed away on July 22, 2008. Beck was a musician’s musician and his resume includes recordings with Miles Davis, Buddy Rich, Gil Evans, Frank Sinatra, James Brown and David Sanborn.
There’s also the chance to hear once again Beck’s invention, the Alto Guitar, a hybrid guitar with two bass strings and four guitar strings. Another reason is Laura Theodore; for those who are not familiar with Laura’s work, she is one of the best singers on the Jazz scene today.
But the main reason is the wonderful music on this album. Golden Earrings is a tribute to the music of another Jazz legend, Peggy Lee.
There’s an undeniable chemistry between Joe Beck and Laura Theodore that shows all trough this CD. Beck use of chords and harmonies played on his alto guitar creates music so full and rich, ideal for Laura’s always soulful vocals.
The beautiful intro on Johnny Guitar is a perfect way to start Golden Earrings. Beck’s guitar and Laura’s enchanting interpretation reminds me of a Quentin Tarantino movie soundtrack.
Beck an Laura swing on tracks like Why don’t you do right, You was right baby and I can’t believe you’re in love with me. On Take a little time to smile, Laura moves easily between deep and bright tones, playing beautifully with Beck chords and harmonies.
Laura’s vocals on Fever and My small señor, are playful, suggestive and entertaining. Love the use of guitar harmonics by Beck on these songs. Laura has a quality on her voice and phrasing that reminds me of legendary Jazz singers like Ella and Holiday. Yet, she has an unmistakable style and voice. Listen to Solitude, Golden Earrings, When your speak with your eyes and the nice scats on Don’t smoke in Bed.
I specially enjoy the Bossa feeling on I get along without you very well and the bluesy version of I don’t know enough about you, a perfect match for Laura classy and soulful voice.
Golden Earrings contains some of the best Jazz music I’ve heard in recent years. This album is a must have in your Jazz collection.
Tracks: Johnny Guitar, Why don't you do right?, Take a little time to smile, Fever, My Small Señor, Don't smoke in bed, I get along without you very well, You was right baby, I can't believe that you're in love with me, Solitude, Everything is moving too fast, When you speak with your eyes, Golden Earrings, I don't know enough about you, What more can a woman do?, Mañana
Jazz and Bossa Website: http://jazznbossa.ning.com/profile/LauraTheodore
Record Label Website: http://www.whalingcitysound.com
Artist's Website: http://www.lauratheodore.com/
Listen or Buy: http://www.virtualmediapost.com/
Reviewed by: Wilbert Sostre
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Jazz and Bossa
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#90 Ave. Rio Hondo
Bayamón, Puerto Rico, 00961-3105
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