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Clairdee: Destination Moon

By Jim Santella
November 1, 1999
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From San Francisco, Clairdee brings her rich alto voice and caressing mainstream charm to center stage with support from a superb piano trio. Expressive and unique, the singer’s presentation contains a tinge of Betty Carter’s upbeat way with a melody; particularly on "They Can’t Take That Away From Me," her driving "Destination Moon" and again on the slightly dramatic ballad "Time After Time."

Smooth and upbeat with an intimate quartet arrangement, "Moonglow" sets the tone for the majority of the album. Dmitri Matheny’s flugelhorn adds a touch of trad jazz on "I’ve Got the World on a String," phrasing expressively alongside vocal melodies as our cornet forefathers have done for over a century. Clairdee scats a chorus of "Beautiful Friendship" with ease and only the barest of piano accompaniment. Recommended, Clairdee’s debut album combines musical quality with heart in a lush romantic setting.

Track Listing

When Lights Are Low; Star Eyes; Tonight I Shall Sleep with a Smile on my Face; I

Personnel

Clairdee

vocals

Clairdee- vocals; Ken French- piano; John Wiitala- bass; Eddie Marshall- drums; Dmitri Matheny- flugelhorn on "I

Album information

Title: Destination Moon | Year Released: 1999 | Record Label: Declare Music

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