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Clairdee: Destination Moon
Clairdee brings to her interpretations of these gems from the Great American Songbook a feeling for jazz coupled with much more than a small breath of fresh air, but also a heavy dose of musical imagination with sensitivity. She gets plenty of help from the very good musicians who join her in the studio. On the title tune "Destination Moon" the opening measures by bassist John Wiitala provides the thematic framework for Clairdee and pianist Ken French to follow. Wiitala has worked with other San Francisco-based vocalists like Cathi Walkup. There's a Latin tinged rendition of "Star Eyes" that is one of the highlights of the album. Here Clairdee shows her ability to be soft and tender despite the pounding Latin beat. One of the few moments of swinging animation comes on "Beautiful Friendship" where Clairdee unpacks her scatting, but goes about in it a way so as not to override the whimsical ambience she creates with this CD. Dmitri Matheny's flugelhorn is used sparingly on this set. But he engages in a pleasant give and take with Clairdee on "I've Got the World on a String".
With this album, Clairdee establishes her credentials as one of the more lyrical vocalists on today's scene. Destination Moon is highly recommended. Visit Clairdee at her Internet site at www.clairdee.com.
Track Listing
When Lights Are Low; Star Eyes; Tonight I Shall Sleep with a Smile on My Face; I've Got the World on a String*; My Future Just Passed; They Can't Take That away from Me; Moonglow; Time after Time; East of the Sun (and West of Moon); Destination Moon; Beautiful Friendship
Personnel
Clairdee
vocalsClairdee - Vocals; Ken French - Piano; Eddie Marshall - Drums; John Wiitala - Bass: Dimitri Matheny* - Flugelhorn
Album information
Title: Destination Moon | Year Released: 2001 | Record Label: Declare Music