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Bull/Fonda Duo: Cup of Joe, No Bull
Bull takes a two-pronged approach to the songs. She seems to presume that the listener knows the classics and will fill in the blanks as she scats along; she establishes her originals and the lesser known tunes a little more before stretching them out. Fonda's right with her on the bass, his pizzicato ranging from light love taps to solar plexus reverb. He even provides diffident background vocals on "Shortcut Blues, Bull's love/driving analogy.
This disc has its standout moments. Fonda's bass becomes something of a second vocalist on Antonio Carlos Jobim's "Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars, where Bull uses the title to whisper and drop some of the lyrics to underscore the meaning of the title. "Bluebird of Happiness is bright and optimistic, and Fonda is relentless on "When You Say You Will, his dynamic playing augmenting Bull's passionate interpretation of the poignant lyrics.
The duo hits its stride on "Since I Fell For You, with Bull's vocals expressing resignation but not anguish. "Speak Louder is an example of how Bull and Fonda fill in each other's spaces ably, and on "Wonderful World and "When I Fall In Love she's at her best, using her voice to shade the lyrics and take them just outside of their normal orbit while reining in the vocal calisthenics.
Track Listing
I Could Have Danced All Night; Love Spook; Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars; Shortcut Blues; I'm Old Fashioned; Monkey Business; Bluebird of Happiness; When You Say You Will; When I Fall In Love; Midnight Sun; Speak Louder; Since I Fell For You; Wonderful World.
Personnel
Katie Bull: vocals; Joe Fonda: bass.
Album information
Title: Cup of Joe, No Bull | Year Released: 2005 | Record Label: Corn Hill Indie
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