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Rene Marie: How Can I Keep From Singing
On this recording, journeyman Mulgrew Miller accompanies Ms. Marie on piano, as does the talented Marvin Sewell on guitar. Both contribute heavily to a disc that might be, at the very least, described as eclectic. What is really eclectic about this disc is Ms. Marie's influences. She delivers Ella Fitzgerald on upbeat "What A Difference A Day Makes" and "God Bless The Child" and Betty Carter on the sensual "Four Women." Standing out is a Cassandra Wilson sound and repertoire on the blues-jazz polyglot "Tennessee Waltz" and the steamy "Afro Blue" not to mention a very slow and Sassy "The Very Thought of You." Not inferring that Ms. Marie simply imitates these greats. No, she makes them her own. The similarity is in the spirit of her delivery.
Status Quo. Producer Bruce Barth returns to forge with recording engineer David Baker the crisp MAXJAZZ sound. The sonic personality of How Can I Keep From Singing is part '50s Blue Note warmth and part '90s Columbia clarity. This is the sound envisioned by founder Richard McDonnell. René Marie is a perfect fit when considered with the other MAXJAZZ vocal series releases. I hope that MAXJAZZ can hang onto all of them.
Track Listing
What A Difference A Day Makes; Tennessee Waltz; Motherless Child' Four Women; The Very Thought Of You; I Like You; Afro Blue; A Sleepin' Bee; Hurry Sundown; God Bless The Child; Take My Breath Away; How Can I Keep From Singing. (Total Time: 62:51)
Personnel
Rene Marie
vocals
Mulgrew Miller
piano
Ugonna Okegwo
bass
Marvin Sewell
guitar
Sam Newsome
saxophone, soprano
Gerald Cleaver
drumsJeffery Haynes
percussionAlbum information
Title: How Can I Keep From Singing | Year Released: 2000 | Record Label: MAXJAZZ
About Rene Marie
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