© 2007 Ed Keane Associates
All rights reserved
|
|||
 |
|||
|
|||
         |
|||
|
|
|
|
 |
Better Than Anything: The Quintessential Nnenna Freelon (Concord Music) offers contemporary jazz at its best. The 12-song collection if culled from the jazz vocalist’s body of work and offers music gems that will thrill and delight. Among them is the vibrant bop “Better Than Anything,” on which Freelon scats superbly. She continues the upbeat mood with Cole Poerter’s Latin-flavored “I Won’t Dance” and Nat King Cole’s “Straighten Up and Fly Right,” which features the artistry of Take 6. With sass and elegance she breezes through an impressive repertoire that includes Billie Holiday’s poignat “Them There Eyes,” Smokey Robinson’s “Tears of A Clown,” the soulful “Ooh Child,” and the soothing gospel “Balm in Gilead.” Backed by stellar jazz musicians that include Gerald Albright, Kirk Whalum and Christian Scott, Freelon’s vocals sparkle and sizzle while thoroughly entertaining listeners. Ebony Magazine April 2008 Issue
"...immense and tasteful creativity... supreme technical agility..." JazzReview.com, Thomas R. Erdmann February 2008
"Freelon was superb, especially during her gorgeous renderings of 'Skylark' and 'Misty.' A thoroughly mature interpretive stylist, she has also refined her voice, her tone shimmering with across-the-spectrum tonal texture, her pitch spot-on." Los Angeles Times Review of the Monterey Jazz Festival 50th Anniversary Tour January 21, 2008
"[Freelon’s] timing and rhythm were impeccable, and she swung the music firmly but lightly with shades of both Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan as well as her own unique ‘diva’ style.” All About Jazz September 28, 2007
“Beautiful Lady: Superhot jazz songstress…” Hollywood Exclusive November 1, 2007
“…concert star…the vivacious vocalist Nnenna Freelon... A cheery, relaxed and confident presence with a dancer’s build, her sinewy arms gracefully gesticulating, Freelon’s artistry has seasoned well, placing her in the upper echelon of jazz voices.” Jazz TimesJanuary 20, 2007
“…by the time [her show] was over, there was no doubt that Freelon has now positioned herself in the very top echelon of jazz vocalists.” The Los Angeles Times
“Freelon makes each song…such a personal statement that they all seem fresh and new.” USA Today
“…Nnenna Freelon really stood out…one of the best vocalists in jazz, wrung every emotion out of her numbers…” The Hollywood Reporter
“Nnenna Freelon is hot…some 6,000 Freelon converts are on their feet, ready, indeed eager, to embrace her…Freelon is a rare blend of estimable qualities – smart as Oprah, sassy as Sarah Vaughan…” Jazz Times
“Freelon is one of the most intelligent musicians out there. While some singers revel in the power and majesty of their vocal gifts, Freelon adds a layer of intellectualism to her burnished mezzo-soprano.” The Philadelphia Inquirer
“...the Grammy nominated Freelon pans out as a timeless talent.” Q Magazine
ALSO VISIT: | ||
|
|||