Jazz and The New Songbook, Live at The Madrid

Manchester News, UK, Tim Stenhouse: July 20, 2006

Carmen Lundy ‘Jazz and the New Songbook. Live at the Madrid’ > 2CD(Afrasia) 5 Stars of 5

In an age where the female jazz vocalist is exalted, one of the continuing mysteries is why Carmen Lundy has not been universally acclaimed. She has all the pre-requisites: a multi-octave range and gorgeous honey-toned voice; considerable songwriting skills that place in her in the lineage of a Betty Carter; the independence of mind to retain her freedom of choice by remaining on independent labels; a long-standing bank of musicians augmented by some of the finest around.

Unlike some, Carmen has largely eschewed the option of a standard-based repertoire (though one album of standards exists)in favour of a more individual approach. This, her first live recording, took place at the Madrid Theatre in Los Angeles. Carmen’s standing among fellow musicians is reflected in the wealth of talent surrounding her for the date: Steve Turre, Bobby Watson, Phil Upchurch and regulars including brother Curtis on bass and Myra Casales on percussion. Several tracks from recent studio albums such as ‘This is Carmen Lundy’ are higlighted, including an electrifying version of ‘All Day, All Night’. The songs swing with the double trio, string quartet and large brass ensemble provide a variety of contexts in which to frame the repertoire. Among newer songs the experimental ‘Walking Code Blue’ has an almost Bitches Brew’ feel. Additional studio cuts include the title track to her superb debut solo album, ‘Good Morning Kiss'(now available once more on Carmen’s own label), a modern day standard and ‘Firefly’. No less a jazz critic than Leonard Feather remarked that Carmen Lundy has it all except mass-scale acceptance. Surely this album will finally show the masses what those in the know were already convinced of. A UK tour beckons, with hopefully a date in Manchester.