Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Cassandra Wilson: She Who Weeps
Cassandra Wilson: She Who Weeps
ByThe disc starts off with a romp through Wilson’s own composition “Iconic Memories.” The slight reverb on her voice contributes a sort of sonic aura to the sound, and when vocal overdubbing emerges at the end, the music becomes fiery yet ethereal. Rod Williams on piano, Kevin Bruce Harris on electric bass and Tani Tabbal on drums combine their energetic playing for some ecstatically spirited sounds.
On Billy Strayhorn’s “Chelsea Bridge” she sings freely over Williams’ piano, Reggie Washington’s electric bass and Mark Johnson’s drums, unraveling the endless dimensions of that intensely saturated palette she culls so easily from deep within.
The spastic drum machine of “Out Loud” enhances the poignant guitar chords in the title track. Slow and concentrated Jean-Paul Bourelly casts an undulating rhythm around Wilson’s soothing vocals. She keeps time with a shimmering smash of a tambourine.
The wave crests at track 6, “Body And Soul,” as Wilson and Williams voice the melody together. They build the momentum until it breaks and falls into a swinging plateau of changing tempos, broiling bass lines and existential vocals.
Seven tracks, 40 minutes, all adorned with vivid panache and breezy flare. An effortlessly consumable disc, there’s no reason why She Who Weeps should incite any tears at all. In fact you might even come away a little bit happier.
Visit Winter & Winter on the web.
Track Listing
1. Iconic Memories 2. Chelsea Bridge 3. Out Loud (Jeris' Blues) 4. She Who Weeps 5. Angel 6. Body and Soul 7. New African Blues
Personnel
Cassandra Wilson
vocalsRod Williams: Piano; Cassandra Wilson: Vocals; Jean-Paul Bourelly: Guitar; Herman Fowlkes: Bass; Kevin Bruce Harris: Bass; Tani Tabbal: Drums; Reggie Washington: Bass; Mark Johnson: Drums.
Album information
Title: She Who Weeps | Year Released: 2004 | Record Label: JMT Productions
< Previous
Godzilla des Groove
Comments
About Cassandra Wilson
Instrument: Vocals
Related Articles | Concerts | Albums | Photos | Similar To