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Review: Jack Foley
I'VE never been a huge fan of jazz, but I can appreciate a good
voice when I hear one, and Clare Teal has one of the best.
Hailed by Michael Parkinson as someone 'worth raving about',
Teal has developed an enviable reputation as a singer-songwriter
of exceptional talent, and is rightly considered one the UK's
most exciting jazz talents.
Her new album, Don't Talk, includes four original songs
alongside the singer's typically classy interpretations of classic
songs from the worlds of jazz, pop and soul.
Hence, the album takes in the delights of swinging big-band numbers
to intimate ballads, with samba (Everything Is You) and
much more thrown in.
Arriving just weeks after Gwyneth
Herbert's no-less essential jazz collection, it should ensure
that jazz enthusiasts are in seventh heaven at the moment.
Highlights on this album include her sexed-up version of I
Just Want To Make Love To You, which provides the definitive
showcase for Teal's deliciously seductive vocals (and rounds off
the album with a smile on your face), and her teasing version
of When In Rome.
The album kicks off in suitably rousing fashion, too, with the
upbeat, horn-laden Messin' With Fire, while third track,
Stoned Soul Picnic, is terrific just to sit back and
relax to - allowing Teal's vocals to soothe you.
And while I have previously stated that jazz isn't really my
thing, it's testament to Teal's vocal skills that she could easily
have me listening to this album for quite some time - especially
since she doesn't just rely on the jazz genre to hook listeners.
This is an album with serious crossover appeal, thanks to its
mixture of styles.
And while not everything hit home, for me, that probably has
more to do with my taste than any comment on Teal's quality.
All of which means I would have no hesitation in recommending
the album to anyone - including any jazz virgins among you!
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Track listing:
1. Messin' With Fire
2. When In Rome
3. Stoned Soul Picnic
4. Everything Is You
5. What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life?
6. You Bring The Best Out In Me
7. The Music Goes Round And Round
8. Don't Talk (Put Your Head On My Shoulder)
9. Mood Indigo
10. Falling For You
11. In A Mellow Tone
12. So In Love
13. I Just Want To Make Love To You
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