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Claire Martin - He
Never Mentioned Love (Linn)
Released - June 4, 2007
A loving tribute to the late Shirley Horn, this is a
highly-polished set of very gentle, nuanced recordings that not just
anyone could pull off. Ms. Martin is often called "The UK's finest jazz
singer." This disc makes a strong case. Ms. Horn's biography tells
its own story, and Sir Richard Rodney Bennett's notes at the Linn
Records website tell that story better than any summary I could provide,
so let's talk about this recording.
When first I heard Ms. Martin, I bought up her whole catalog at import
prices. This disc is a fine addition to the collection. Quiet, and
intense - Ms. Martin's voice doesn't shout for attention, it simply
draws one in. I end up captivated by choice, and this can never be
background music for me.
Highlights include Ms. Horn's classic "He Never Mentioned Love," a
surprise - the Leon Russell semi classic "A Song For You," and Ms.
Martin and the band swing nicely on "All Night Long."
The backing band frames Ms. Martin's voice very well - each takes his
solo turn well, but never ever detracts from Ms. Martin. Of particular
note are Gareth Williams on Piano, Steve Watts on Bass and Gerard
Presencer on Flugelhorn.
Ms. Martin's recordings are released through Linn Records in Scotland, a
label started by a company that makes high-end audio gear in the UK.
Go to their
website, and they'll tell you that they started the label because
they couldn't find recordings that were good enough to adequately test
their equipment.
Audio engineers aren't the only ones impressed by Ms. Martin's voice.
And you'll have the chance to be impressed, too - on this side of the
Atlantic. Ms. Martin plays the prestigious Oak Room at the
Algonquin Hotel in New York - June 26 to July 6.
Highly recommended.
  Three
and one-half microphones (out of four)
- Doug Boynton
(05/19/07) |
