No one ever complimented me on my punctuality. But I needed to share.
I firmly believe the best album of all albums I’ve bought this year, and in recent past, was Ann Hampton Callaway’s “Blue’s in the Night.” I’ve always loved Ann, but found her albums a bit on the tepid side. She turned things up a notch with this effort and brought a smoking, hot jazz band on the ride with her.
If you don’t know who Ann is, her bio can be found here. Essentially, she’s won every cabaret award NYC has to offer, arranges most of her own songs, plays the piano, wrote songs for some big name singers, and is most well-known for writing/performing the theme song from “The Nanny.” Oh, and she was nominated for a Tony a few years ago.
Beyond her accolades and piano skills, Ann has stunning vocal quality. She’s a jazz singer that can do anything. Her voice is like a fine instrument, leaping octaves and executing the odd trill with such ease, it just seems organic, devoid of the forced showmanship you’d detect from lesser artists. You feel at ease when you listen to her.
Coincidentally, Ann’s sister, Liz, achieved success on Broadway in the early 80s/late 90s securing a Tony nomination for her role in the musical “Baby” and playing Grizabella in “Cats” more than any other actress. Liz duets with Ann on a track on this album, and the result is spectacular.
A sample clip from the album: Spring Can Really Hang You Up The Most. A more somber selection, but so perfect. I can’t stop listening.
Hey, I’m even ranking this above Loop’s album. And that’s saying something.
Punctuality is only defined by other people’s perception anyway. 22 days into ‘07 is not unreasonable for a Best of 2006….
You need time to digest and assess and before passing judgement.
So don’t feel bad.
By: RKM on January 23|07
at 12:50 am