Susan May: The Rose

Susan May is equally at home singing show tunes as she is beltin’ out blues in the fashion of early pioneers of the art form. Her strong alto voice and remarkable range are natural tools. What's surprising, however, is the accuracy of her delivery and the convincing authority with which she interprets these favorite songs.

Susan May is only twelve years old, and yet she sounds as if she’s over forty and a veteran of the lifelong wars that enable an artist to relate experiences through song and connect with a listener intuitively. The Rose gives May a wide range of styles to interpret, from mainstream blues and jazz to television pop and theatrical emotion. She proves equally at home with each aspect of the musical world.

Trad jazz, in the form of “A Wink and a Smile,” includes a soul-stirring tuba solo. Through the piece, May sings from the heart with a knowing ear for cohesive ensemble interplay. Her phrasing allows the singer to meld with her partners in a natural manner.

”What the world needs now, is love, sweet love,” sings the chanteuse as she closes the album. Slow and filled with passion, the arrangement brings tears to your eyes. Of her motivation, May says she likes to sing to people because it provides them with something special, something to remember, and something to carry home with them. She says, “If their life isn’t too happy, I like to brighten their day.”

A pretty mature thought for a twelve-year-old.

Highly recommended, The Rose brings out the best from Susan May and her musical partners. Rate this one with a maximum number of stars.

For sound samples visit Susan May on the web.