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Leslie Lewis: Leslie Lewis & Gerard Hagen in New York
By"Like Someone In Love" is introduced with Lewis singing a cappella through two choruses before Gerard Hagen bounces in, telepathically in tempo. Lewis takes on the Joe Jackson-penned lyrics to Duke Ellington's "Solitude," singing at a slow but determined pace, raising the ballad to gospel proportions. The more recent "Killing Me Softly" is the lengthiest piece on the recording, chiming in at seven-plus minutes. Lewis and Hagen again heart-meld into a warm simpatico that is delivered completely intact in an impressionistic fashion.
"Body and Soul" should be required listening to understand what the hubbub was all about when Coleman Hawkins transformed the song into a progenitor of bebop so long ago. That is the charm of straight vocal performance: it serves as a reminder of what the composers originally intended before jazz acolytes transformed that intention in so many wonderful ways. There is always a beginning and Leslie Lewis stands firmly on that spot when she sings.
Track Listing
Like Someone In Love; Gentle is My Love; Solitude; I Want to be Happy; Killing Me Softly; You Must Believe in Spring; I’ll Remember April; When I Fall In Love; Body and Soul.
Personnel
Leslie Lewis
vocalsLeslie Lewis: vocals Gerard Hagen: piano.
Album information
Title: Leslie Lewis & Gerard Hagen in New York | Year Released: 2013 | Record Label: Self Produced