CD/LP/Track Review
Jane Monheit: Come Dream With Me
If you purchase Come Dream With Me based on the incredible amount of hype singer Jane Monheit’s sophomore effort has generated, you’re bound to be disappointed. While Ms. Monheit certainly possesses the tools necessary to obtain stardom in the modern jazz world – good looks and a flexible voice – she’s a long way from becoming the “next Ella”, as she so clearly aspires to be. I certainly didn’t have a problem with her all-star band — Kenny Barron (piano), Christian McBride (bass), and Greg Hutchinson (drums), with guest appearances by Michael Brecker (sax) and Tom Harrell (trumpet). However, problems do arise with Monheit’s inability to control her vocal histrionics (think a jazzier Celine Dion) and her choice of songs. While she is charming on Jobim’s "Waters of March" and the Mendez/Bergman composition, "So Many Stars," her inclusion of Bread’s moldy 70’s pop hit "If" and an overwrought rendition of "Over The Rainbow," must be seen as major missteps. Just so-so. ##
Record Label: N-Coded Music | Style: Vocal
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Post your comment on Jane Monheit's Come Dream With Me.
- Charles Hartman wrote on 2007-03-19 13:44:03 [ REPORT ]
I agree with both sides presented here. For what she's done with these beginning materials, see (everywhere).
It seems worth adding that her "Waters of March" holds up remarkably well a few years later. It can't replace the Jobim & Elis Regina version in Portuguese, but it's nice to have such clear and precise version in English. What a great lyric! All the things of this world!
