Barbara Lusch: Barbara Lusch (2006)

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: June 24, 2006

Barbara Lusch is a communicator. She sings with a deeply sensual vibrancy that gets right to the heart of the matter. Her songs take on added meaning that ensures we'll "get it. It helps that she's chosen songs to which we can all relate. They're timeless, of course, and provide pleasant memories that we cannot overlook.

Lusch brings a delightful voice to the forum that's always clear and crisp. Her confidence comes from the high musical standards that she exhibits throughout the program. The piano trio accompaniment that appears with her gives the session a no-nonsense texture. The focus remains on the singer.

The musical arrangements for both "Black Coffee and "Nature Boy include several welcome surprises. Lusch isn't one to settle for ordinary. "Every Night comes with a convincing blues feel, while "Bonita takes the audience on a journey through distant lands.

From the Great American Songbook, "They Can't Take That Away from Me lets Lusch swing with a kittenish charm. The soft edges in her voice ensure a laid-back interpretation throughout the program. "Now, Baby or Never, another heartfelt blues, stands out as the session's high point, issuing a meaningful dialogue through a swinging piano trio romp. One listen and you may feel as if you've known Barbara Lusch all your life.

Track Listing: Come On-a My House; Ain�t Doin� Bad Doin� Nothin�; Girl Talk; Light My Fire; Nature Boy; I Love the Way You�re Breaking My Heart; Black Coffee; Every Night; They Can�t Take That Away From Me; So Nice; Now, Baby, or Never; Bonita.

Personnel: Barbara Lusch: vocals; Dan Gaynor: piano; Scott Steed, Essiet Essiet, Kevin Dietz: bass; Reinhardt Melz: drums; Bobby Torres: percussion; Sean Holmes, Kirk Green, Billy Bradford: background vocals.

Record Label: Blush Records
Style: Vocal