Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Cassandra Wilson: Loverly
Cassandra Wilson: Loverly
ByOn the CD Wilson uses African percussionist Lekan Babalola to recall the rhythmic roots of jazzhis layered playing alongside that of drummer Herlin Riley, who matches Babalola in focus and intensity, adds an element of unpredictability to what have come to be the readily anticipated melodic and harmonic turns of the traditional pop repertoire. But it is Wilson's sonorous voice that tethers each tune in the story of the lyrics; thus the polyrhythmic rendition of "Caravan," her opener at the Blue Note, both musically and lyrically evokes images of hot, sandy places where romance is the oasis; by contrast, "The Very Thought Of You," accompanied by only Reginald Veal in a one-off performance on bass while Wilson walked nonchalantly about the room in the home where the CD was recorded, reveals the simple, everyday musings of a more settled love. (Wilson performed this tune as her eleventh-hour number at the Blue Note gig and saxophonist Ezra Brown sat injust one of the many perks of live performance.)
Wilson's long-time collaborators, bassist Lonnie Plaxico and guitarist Marvin Sewell, appear on the disc along with pianist Jason Moran and backup singer Rhonda Richmond. But not all of the players on the CD could make the Blue Note gig, so Wilson brought in a couple of hyper-talented young instrumentalists to round out the band: drummer EJ Strickland and pianist Jonathan Batiste.
And what a joy it must be to play with Cassandra Wilson. It certainly is a joy to listen. Beyond merely loverly, this CD is one for the collection.
Track Listing
Lover Come Back To Me; Black Orpheus; Wouldn't It Be Loverly; Gone With The Wind; Caravan; 'Til There Was You; Spring Can Really Hang You Up The Most; Arere; St. James Infirmary; Dust My Broom; The Very Thought Of You; A Sleepin' Bee.
Personnel
Cassandra Wilson
vocalsCassandra Wilson: vocals; Jason Moran: piano (1-6, 8-10, 12); Marvin Sewell: guitar (1-10, 12); Lonnie Plaxico: acoustic bass (1-6, 8-10, 12); Reginald Veal: acoustic bass (11); Herlin Riley: drums (1-6, 8-10, 12); Lekan Babalola: percussion (1, 2, 4-6, 8-10); Rhonda Richmond: background vocals (8); Nicholas Payton: trumpet (1).
Album information
Title: Loverly | Year Released: 2008 | Record Label: Blue Note Records
Comments
About Cassandra Wilson
Instrument: Vocals
Related Articles | Concerts | Albums | Photos | Similar To