Listener Review

Jazz Corner, Mike Schwartz
Nov. 12, 2003

http://www.jazzcornertalk.com/speakeasy/showthread.php?t=3284

This amazingly talented woman has been among my personal faves for the past several years, but hadn’t seen her until last nite at Yoshi’s.

Talk about something being worth the wait…WOW!

In an electrifying, exciting, emotional, varied, superbly performed set, her first ever northern California gig [couldn’t believe that until she told me so] was a smashing success! It was a one niter, but after the buzz from what went down last evening, I’d guess she not only will get invited back but for a longer stint.

Standing *O* at the end of the 2nd set, and once again after a single encore.

The same musicians at the gig as the new Justin Time CD “Something To Believe In” except Robert Glasper on piano instead of Anthony Wonsey.

Her brother Curtis on bass,Mayra Casales/percussion, Victor Lewis/drums who is SO, SO, SO, SO GOOD, and Regina Carter’s violin, just as perfect as can be in a supporting roll with plenty of room to shine, as she does on the CD. This CD is my #1 female vocal choice of the year if I had to choose.

Lundy as singer/songwriter/composer/arranger so self assured that her talented band knows that it can completely cut loose knowing that Carmen can hang. It’s just that simple and why her sound is always so good….it’s always a jazz band playing at a high level and not having to ‘take it down a notch’ to accomodate the singer, in any way shape or form [ not putting anyone down]

They took us from boiling hot, to sublime quiet and anywhere you might want in between.

Got to congratulate Ms. Lundy and crew backstage afterwards, she having been a terrific guest on my show 11/02

Myself, many in the audience, the friends I was with blown away with how great the show we saw last nite. I’d even say that Carmen herself was blown away by the incredible reception she received. There were some excited people backstage after the show. In fact one of my buddies comments on the ride home ” I think that’s the best show I’ve seen in my entire life!”

It WAS very special!!