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Larra Skye: The World Disappears
That said, for her debut recording, The World Disappears, she assembled a crack group of excellent Canadian jazz musiciansincluding Adrian Farrujia (piano), Eric Boucher (piano), Jim Vivian (bass), Kevin Brow (drums), Bob Brough (tenor sax), Kevin Turcotte (trumpet and flugelhorn), Geoff Young (guitar), and Matt Stevens (guitar)who jazz up the proceedings considerably.
But, for better or for worse, Skye is the centerpiece of this record. Her voice lacks the edge necessary for her to be a great jazz singer. She lacks the passion and the sexiness of an Ella Fitzgerald or a Bessie Smith. In fact, her voice can sound downright amateur at times. After the first three tunes, the record becomes monotonous.
The album does have its bright spots. The music borders on smooth jazz at times, but the players are good enough to keep it interesting. Brough's opening solo on "Whisper A Secret captures the essence and the groove of the tune. The pianists accompany Skye very well, never soloing outright but leading her along the correct path. And Skye's compositional talents really show through. She is an intelligent writer, composing poppy tunes that have an adult feel to them.
As for The World Disappears, I would recommend waiting to hear Skye's sophomore effort, whenever it comes out. She is obviously very talented, but jazz is not the best idiom for her to express herself. She may be better suited to folk or pop, or even just focusing on writing for others. But hey, every artist experiences growing pains. At just 22, Skye has a long time to figure everything out.
Track Listing
Whisper A Secret; Turn Up the Stars; The Only One I'll Mull; Down on Your Luck; Open Up Your Eyes; Make Believe; Everything; Love Is; Pretty Little Baby; Always Rolling Seven; The World Disappears.
Personnel
Larra Skye
vocalsLarra Skye: vocals; Adrean Farrugia: piano (2-7,10,11); Eric Boucher: piano (1,8,9), organ (8); Jim Vivian: upright bass; Kevin Brow: drums; Bob Brough: tenor saxophone; Kevin Turcotte: trumpet, flugelhorn; Geoff Young: electric guitar (1,8), classical guitar (2); Matt Stevens: acoustic and electric guitar (7).
Album information
Title: The World Disappears | Year Released: 2006 | Record Label: AudioMaiden Music