Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Carol Sloane: Romantic Ellington
Carol Sloane: Romantic Ellington
ByMs. Sloane’s voice is described as “sultry”, an overwrought word that really has no meaning. I prefer the descriptive “accomplished”. That is more like it. She croons with a definite authority, never resorting to (inappropriate) vocal gymnastics. She treats these Ellington chestnuts lovingly without pampering them, purring through the familiar (“Flower”, “Come Sunday”, “Sophisticated Lady”) and the unfamiliar (“Tonight I Shall Sleep”, “Don’t You Know I Care”).
A piano trio, three violins, and a cello support Ms. Sloane on Romantic Ellington. At first glance, I thought that the string accompaniment would be a little thin, but it turns out to be perfect. This small string section provides just enough support without the saccharine melodrama that larger section is often reduced to. Benny Golson devotes his considerable tenor talent to four or the compositions (superb accompaniment on “Daydream” and “A Flower Is A Lovesome Thing”. The result is a satisfying collection of ballads, deftly preformed by and accomplished and underrated talent.
Track Listing
A Flower Is A Lovesome Thing; Daydream; Tonight I Shall Sleep; Don
Personnel
Carol Sloane
vocalsCarol Sloane: Vocals; Mike Renzi: Piano; Dean Johnson: Bass; Ron Vincent; Drums; Barry Finclair, Belinda Whitney-Barratt, Jill Jaffe: Violins; Jesse Levy: Cello.
Album information
Title: Romantic Ellington | Year Released: 2000 | Record Label: DRG Records