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Claire Martin: A Modern Art
ByThe musicians are some of the best around and all play with skill and empathy. Mark Nightingale's trombone adds a funky edge to the album, guitarist Phil Robson once again displays his ability as an accompanisthis duet with Martin on David Cantor's "Nirvana" is exquisiteand long-term collaborator, arranger and producer Laurence Cottle, who also plays bass, is recognizably crucial to the overall feel of these songs.
Martin's singing is exceptionaldistinctive, expressive and stylish. She can be smoky and sensualon Michael Franks' "Sunday Morning Here With You," for exampleor playful and funny. On "Edge Ways," written by Martin and Cottle, the singer is sensual and playfulsatirizing an egotistical and overly-talkative old friend or rival over a suitably upbeat and cheery backing. Donald Fagen and Walter Becker's "Things I Miss the Most" is given a Latin groove which, added to Martin's light-hearted vocal, gives the song a warmer, more positive feel than the original. Martin is not averse to making a small lyrical adjustment hereshe goes to bed with a copy of a celebrity gossip magazine, rather than the more dubious literature favored by the protagonist in the Steely Dan version.
The album highlight is undoubtedly "Love is Real." This is a gorgeous ballad, co-written by pianist Esbjorn Svensson, bassist Dan Berglund and drummer Magnus Öström (collectively known as e.s.t.), with lyrics by bassist Charlie Haden's son, Josh. Svensson died in a diving accident in 2008 and Martin sings this as a tribute to the pianist. Her vocal performance is heartbreaking, adding even more emotional intensity to an already powerful song. This is a song that stays in the memory. Given the quality of the album as a whole this is high praise indeedA Modern Art is a gem.
Track Listing
Everything I've Got Belongs to You; So Twentieth Century; Love is Real; Lowercase; A Modern Art; Edge Ways; Love of Another; Totally; Everybody Today is Turning On; Sunday Morning Here With You; Promises; Things I Miss the Most; As We Live and Breathe; Nirvana.
Personnel
Claire Martin
vocalsClaire Martin: vocals; Gareth Williams: piano; Laurence Cottle: bass; Nigel Hitchcock: alto sax; Mark Nightingale: trombone; Phil Robson: guitar; James Maddren: drums; Chris Dagley: drums; Sola Akingbola: percussion.
Album information
Title: A Modern Art | Year Released: 2009 | Record Label: Linn Records