Carmen Lundy Come Home

The Hartford Courant, Owen McNally: February 21, 2008

http://www.courant.com/entertainment/music/hc-albums0221.artfeb21,0,1414417.story?page=4

Come Home

Afrasia Productions

A gifted, expressive vocalist, Carmen Lundy could safely stick with the Great American Songbook and forever bask in the glow of critical acclaim.

But the multi-talented, questing performer, who’s a singer/songwriter, arranger, painter and actress, is a free spirit who revels in coloring outside the lines, always creating new shapes, forms and dramas.

Classically trained and jazz-smart, Lundy can emote lyrically in the hushed, dark-toned mood of her “Heart of Gold.” Or she can soar fearlessly on a Betty Carter-like flight through “Gossip.”

As if working with a painter’s palette, Lundy uses her band, featuring pianist Anthony Wonsey, guitarist Lage Lund, her brother bassist Curtis Lundy, drummer Jason Evan Brown and percussionist Mayra Casales for her primary colors. To this rich base, she mixes an array of tonal colorations including a children’s choir’s sound of innocence; Geri Allen’s sophisticated piano and snaky synthesizer lines; and Steve Turre’s conch shells sounding an eerie call to prayer.

Her lyrics embrace everything from earthly to heavenly matters.

“Walking Code Blue” is a hip, 21st century lament for a self-destructive, trendy swinger who hangs out in bars with stars to get as high as Mars. “Afrasia” is an ecumenical prayer for peace and unity powered by a harmonious mix of African and Asian rhythms and melodies.

If diverse musical styles like these from all over the world can get along so harmoniously, Lundy seems to ask, why can’t humans do the same?

Essential download: “Gossip”

OWEN MCNALLY