Melody Gardot: My One And Only Thrill

Vocal - Melody Gardot

1 Baby I'm A Fool 2 If The Stars Were Mine 3 Who Will Comfort Me 4 Your Heart Is As Black As Night 5 Lover Undercover 6 Our Love Is Easy 7 Les Etoiles 8 The Rain 9 My One And Only Thrill 10 Deep Within The Corners Of My Mind 11 Over The Rainbow 12 If The Stars Were Mine

Wholenote Discoveries - September 2009
Melody Gardot is a powerful new presence on the North American jazz/pop scene. I was enchanted by her live performance at the Toronto jazz festival (see my blog at www.thewholenote.com) and am pleased to hear that her charisma and ability to draw in a listener with her intimate vocal delivery has translated beautifully to recording. Her strong songwriting skills — developed while recovering from a serious traffic accident that left her sensitive to light and relying on a cane to walk — are what set her apart from the herd of young jazz singers content to rework old standards. Her unique voice is a contrast of styles with its fast vibrato hinting at the old world, à la Piaf, and her controlled, up close on the mic nuance adding an of-the-moment Leslie Feist style. Her phrasing is all her own, especially on the gorgeous title track, with its laid bare, confessional lyrics: “Birds may cease to spread their wings / Winters may envelope springs / But it don’t matter, it don’t matter ‘cause / When I’m with you / My whole world stands still / You’re my one and only thrill.” It’s interesting to note what a little record label clout can do for a girl, as a long line-up of horn, string and rhythm section players grace the album, including such heavyweights as Vinnie Colaiuta and Larry Klein. Harmonically rich strings, masterfully arranged and conducted by Vince Mendoza, provide a soundscape that enhances without overpowering. But Gardot holds her own by doing all the guitar and piano work on the disc, and adds some charming bossa nova-style lilt to the only cover on the recording, Over the Rainbow. Expect big things from Ms. Gardot. Cathy Riches
This is disc to take a chance on. 'My One and Only Thrill' is the second album by jazz singer Melody Gardot, and the disc hits the mark. It is a sultry, seductive collection of songs, beautifully orchestrated, and sung to perfection. Gardot also plays guitar and piano throughout the disc, but it is the nuance of her breathy, understated voice that captures the listenner. The lush sound of the orchestra provides a strong foudation, and harkens back to the styles of Etta James and Dinah Washington. A great disc dinner parties, or soirees.

Price: $16.98