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Janelle Sadler: Don't Make Me Laugh
Like a family that hangs out together seven nights a week, Sadler's ensemble supports her with intuitive refrains. Even Jimi Hendrix's "Manic Depression" comes together with a pert and saucy texture. Here, she prefers an organ combo mood that lets the music flow like a healing salve. Robin Swenson, her husband and musical director, ensures that every tune rocks with fiery passion.
Sadler's hearty alto voice lets her interpret with feelings alive. She's convincing. As a backup singer for Donny Osmond, Natalie Cole, Deneice Williams, and The Mamas and the Papas, she's demonstrated this warmth time and again. Now, it's her showcase, and what a pleasure the session delivers.
"Don't Make Me Laugh" simmers with the inner emotions of a ballad conceived in a moment of passion. Sadler brings the song out and pours the feeling onto her audience. These invisible emotional twinges expand far and wide. Mose Allison's "If You Live" and Swenson's "The Wagon" bring out the best qualities from all, as Sadler and her piano trio express with the deep feeling found in the blues. It will put a smile on your face. Don't miss it.
Visit Janelle Sadler on the web for mp3 samples and more.
Track Listing
Secret Love; Polka Dots and Moonbeams; Swingin' Mood; Jesse; Don't Make Me Laugh; Manic Depression; The Wagon; If You Live; Whatever Is; Tainted Love.
Personnel
Janelle Sadler: vocals; Robin Swenson: piano, B-3 organ, electric piano, background vocals; Harvey Newmark: bass; Jack LeCompte: drums, percussion (9); Rick Zahariades (Ricky Z), Bruce Watson: guitar; Jim Gilland: percussion, fingersnaps (10), background vocals.
Album information
Title: Don't Make Me Laugh | Year Released: 2005 | Record Label: Little Precious Records
About Janelle Sadler
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