MUSIC REVIEW BY Ric Bang, The Davis Enterprise
To paraphrase a line from the film, "Jerry Maguire," vocalist Katie King "had me at (her musical) 'hello' " on this album.
This lady is, without a doubt, the finest singer I've heard in years. She can handle any style, and her unique approach makes each style her own. Her voice is marvelous and her phrasing impeccable, and she hits every note dead-on. There's no "hunting," yet she can "bend" her voice for effect as necessary.
This album includes 13 tunes: covers of three Beatles songs ("Across The Universe," "Come Together," and "Here Comes The Sun"); one each from Nina Simone ("Do I Move You?") and Abbey Lincoln ("Throw It Away"); and three written by King herself ("Harry's Fight," "Last Night," and "And Now").
The traditional "Wayfaring Stranger" is done with only bass accompaniment; you'll also enjoy a marvelous version of Paul Simon's "Fifty Ways To Leave Your Lover" and the most moving rendition of "All or Nothing at All" that I've ever heard.
"Alone Together" isn't far behind, and "The Inchworm" caps things off. She does it all!
If her singing weren't enough, King is backed by as tasty and swinging a quartet as you'll ever hear: Bill Anschell on piano; Jeff Johnson on Bass; Craig Flory on sax, bass clarinet and flute; and D'Vonne Lewis on drums.
Thank goodness for vocalists like King, who are wise enough to surround themselves with such consummate artists.
This isn't King's first album - she has released three others - but it is her first in nearly a decade. (She took time off to raise a family.) Needless to say, I really look forward to her next.
This lady is, without a doubt, the finest singer I've heard in years. She can handle any style, and her unique approach makes each style her own. Her voice is marvelous and her phrasing impeccable, and she hits every note dead-on. There's no "hunting," yet she can "bend" her voice for effect as necessary.
This album includes 13 tunes: covers of three Beatles songs ("Across The Universe," "Come Together," and "Here Comes The Sun"); one each from Nina Simone ("Do I Move You?") and Abbey Lincoln ("Throw It Away"); and three written by King herself ("Harry's Fight," "Last Night," and "And Now").
The traditional "Wayfaring Stranger" is done with only bass accompaniment; you'll also enjoy a marvelous version of Paul Simon's "Fifty Ways To Leave Your Lover" and the most moving rendition of "All or Nothing at All" that I've ever heard.
"Alone Together" isn't far behind, and "The Inchworm" caps things off. She does it all!
If her singing weren't enough, King is backed by as tasty and swinging a quartet as you'll ever hear: Bill Anschell on piano; Jeff Johnson on Bass; Craig Flory on sax, bass clarinet and flute; and D'Vonne Lewis on drums.
Thank goodness for vocalists like King, who are wise enough to surround themselves with such consummate artists.
This isn't King's first album - she has released three others - but it is her first in nearly a decade. (She took time off to raise a family.) Needless to say, I really look forward to her next.