Carmen Lundy: Old Devil Moon

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: February 1, 1999

Primarily an acoustic session, Carmen Lundy’s latest album presents her clear, expressive alto voice in the company of complementary soloists Frank Foster, Randy Brecker and Bob Mintzer. With Billy Childs and Santi DeBriano backing her on most tracks, the jazz singer weaves through lush ballads, a few original tunes, several rhythmic adventures, and intricate blues-based stories. Lundy’s singing presence is so full of confidence and enthusiasm that she charms the listener right out of his or her shoes. Duke Ellington’s "In a Sentimental Mood" oozes with a searing passion, while Donny Hathaway’s "Flying Easy" trips rhythmically around syncopated percussion, and the title tune spins around a Latin jazz arrangement quite full of the proper spirit. Highly recommended.

Track Listing: Star Eyes; When Your Lover Has Gone; Just One More Chance; You

Personnel: Collective Carmen Lundy- vocals; Billy Childs- piano; Harry Whitaker- keyboards; Santi DeBriano- acoustic bass; Victor Bailey- electric bass; Winston Clifford, Omar Hakim- drums; Frank Foster, Bob Mintzer- tenor saxophone; Randy Brecker- flugelhorn; Mayra Casales- congas, shekere, bongos, tambourine, percussion; Lani Groves, Gwen Guthrie, Tawatha Agee, Dennis Collins- background vocals; Ralph Irizarry- timbales.

Record Label: JVC
Style: Straight-ahead/Mainstream