Queen Latifah: The Dana Owens Album

The artist is notorious for feminist controversy, but the only thing controversial about this album is Latifah's hard departure from the rap genre. But jazz fans can rejoice. She spans a continuum from standards to R&B to the blues and more, but jazz this is, at heart—all selections are done in her own fresh style. The lush orchestral arrangements behind Latifah don't impose; much as Shirley Horn came alive for listeners in such a magnificent way when backed by an orchestra in Here's To Life, Latifah raises eyebrows by keeping chill and jazzy throughout—not a bit of cheese to be found here!

The most serious eyebrow-raiser is "California Dreamin',"? arranged with a focus on Latifah's beautiful voice. The gorgeous guitar work by Raul Midon works very well to evoke, respectfully, a bit of the era from which the tune comes. Between the castanets and the smooth string backgrounds, "Dreamin'"? is easily the most laid back of all the selections on this eclectic journey through what ostensibly are the favorite musical memories of Newark, New Jersey-born Dana Owens.

Standards are represented here: "If I Had You"? is done sweetly, without cloying—and swings nicely, thank you. Fathead Newman adds excitement with a breezy solo. On "Lush Life"? Latifah's voice strains ever so slightly, violating the admonition she gives earlier in the album (on the cut "Mercy, Mercy, Mercy") that one should "never let 'em see you sweat."? Given, however, the difficulty for any singer to bulls-eye that tune, she comes close.

"Moody's Mood for Love,"? featuring the composer on sax, is performed here lovingly, like putting on a favorite cardigan. It's apparently a nod not only to the song but to the source: the late "Chief Rocker"? Frankie Crocker on WBLS radio during the 1970s and '80s in the metro NYC area. Some Arthur Prysock fans may be surprised that credit for the arrangement to "Close Your Eyes,"? performed ever-so-soulfully with a fillip of jazz, thanks to a scat solo from Mervyn Warren, is given to a Peggy Lee recording. "Hello Stranger"? replete with electric organ effects and "shoo-bop"? vocal backgrounds is sung by Latifah in a manner so heartfelt and fresh it prevents the song from becoming a caricature of itself.

Rap fans may be dismayed by this release, but fans of soulful jazz have reason to rejoice and will find themselves playing this very approachable disc over and over again.

Comments