From Amazon.co.uk
There are some contemporary performers who completely defy all efforts to tag them with a convenient label and Karrin Allyson is one. Is she jazz? Is she cabaret? Is she a sophisticated entertainer? Actually, she's all these things, but mainly she is her own charming self. Unlike most cabaret singers, she has a natural sense of swing, and, unlike all too many jazz singers, she treats words and melody with love and understanding. She is obviously a linguist, too, because the 12 songs on this, her sixth Concord album, are mostly in French and Portuguese--hence the CD title. The programme includes pieces by
Caetano Veloso, Jaques Brel and
Bud Powell. The Brazilian bossa nova, the Parisian chanson and the American standard have one thing in common--they all respond best to a light touch. This is where Karrin Allyson's great strength lies. She has a warm, intimate voice and can make the smallest vocal gesture say a great deal. Altogether, an irresistible 68 minutes. --
Dave Gelly