Carmen Lundy: Good Morning Kiss (2002)

Jim Santella

Senior Contributor since 1997

Jim Santella has been contributing CD reviews, concert reviews and DVD reviews to AAJ since 1997. His work has also appeared in Southland Blues, The L.A. Jazz Scene, and Cadence Magazine.

Recent articles (1,677 total)

Published: November 1, 2002

Carmen Lundy’s expressive vocal interpretations have always raised welcoming arms from mainstream listeners. Her natural talent speaks for itself. A clear voice with a strong heart serve as centerpiece for this reissue. Three alternate takes have been added to the original. “Dindi” is presented as an alternate without the contributions of Steve Turre. “Perfect Stranger” and “Good Morning Kiss” show up as alternates with very little change from those previously released. Good Morning Kiss, an excellent mainstream album, was Lundy’s debut recording. It was released in 1985 on the Blackhawk label but went out-of-print for years. Aside from Lundy’s genuine vocal interpretations, the CD includes stellar performances from several of New York’s finest. Trombonist Turre fills and solos alongside the vocalist on “Dindi” with forceful persuasion. Lundy’s brother, Curtis, supplies the upright bass lines on most tracks. His support is especially strong and poignant on the title track. A personal favorite, “Love For Sale,” finds the bassist walking casually with piano trio in a special arrangement loaded with dramatic twists and turns. An ounce of the blues colors every song from Lundy’s Good Morning Kiss. Audio samples are available at www.carmenlundy.com .

Track Listing: Time Is Love; Dindi; The Lamp Is Low; Perfect Stranger; Good Morning Kiss; Show Me That You Love Me; Love For Sale; Quiet Times; Dindi (alternate take); Perfect Stranger (alternate take); Good Morning Kiss (alternate take).

Personnel: Carmen Lundy- vocal; Jon Faddis, Cecil Bridgewater, Earl Gardner- trumpet; Steve Turre- trombone; Bobby Watson- alto saxophone; Rene McLean- tenor saxophone; Jim Hartog- baritone saxophone; Harry Whitaker- piano; Curtis Lundy, Ben Brown- bass; Victor Lewis- drums; Mayra Casales- percussion.

Style: Straight-ahead/Mainstream