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Jacqui Dankworth - Danger Ahead (Candid)
June, 2004

Jacqui Dankworth is another in my phase of "Female British Jazz Singers." It's just a phase...that's gone on for about five years now, and started with Stacey Kent - who isn't even British, but that's another story entirely.

In the liner notes, Ms. Dankworth thanks her mum and dad. Quite a pedigree. Mum - (Dame) Cleo Laine. Dad - legendary saxman (Sir) John Dankworth.

If listening to Gwyneth Herbert or Clare Teal is driving a high-performance car flat out on the autobahn - then this is like taking that same car through high, narrow mountain roads at that same speed. So many layers, and it's not danger that worries me - it's that I'm missing something.

Luckily, I own this one, and can listen as often as I like. Ms. Dankworth's voice is powerful, but never overpowering. There's a pretty full backing group, and they never overpower her. (Nice mix!)

Highlights - the title cut, "Detour Ahead," is very textured.  I listened several times, and still felt as if I was missing something.  Lerner and Lowe's "On The Street Where You Live" doesn't swing much sweeter than this.

There are two originals - the bonus track, "Come Home Baby" is the best of these, a bluesy outing that features Irish trumpeter Linley Hamilton.

This is good stuff. Not yet available in anything other than an import - but here's a secret: your Amazon username and password work at amazon.co.uk. CD prices are about the same as here.  You'll pay a buck or two more for shipping, and they take a day or two longer to arrive.

This one is worthy. Take the plunge!

Three and one-half microphones (out of four)

- Doug Boynton
(12/23/05)

Official Website

Candid Records

All Music Guide

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