New Music
Half the Perfect WorldBy Madeleine Peyroux
With a voice that doesn't match her face, Madeleine Peyroux scores with her third album. She's one of those cool artists who can blend genre distinctions with ease. Typically, she's a jazz singer but this album interacts with folk and country, and also different is the "middle age" of the songs and their emphasis on poetry (Joni Mitchell, Serge Gainsbourg, etc.). Her voice sounds a lot like Billie Holiday, which some people criticize, but if you listen closely, the individuality of her voice is evident. One of her most outstanding qualities is her ability to bend a melody line into the shape she sees fit. Altering a rhythm as dramatically as she can is very difficult to do and not get lost in accompaniment - this I know from failed attempts. Also interesting is the way in which she draws out consonants which really can't be sung, yet she does; L's in particular. Peyroux uses a very unique blend of instruments as well. Some songs are backed a traditional jazz combo while others expand to the ukulele, organ, and string quartet.
The album highlights are the original compositions by Peyroux, something new to her recordings. My personal favorite is "Once in a While," because it is extremely lyrical and I love the rough-sounding string quartet accompaniment. Other winners are "River" featuring a duet with k.d.lang and "La Javanaise," the only French track. Overall, this album aches with a despondancy that is both distant and transparent at the same time. The accompaniment is thoughtful and personal with a strong sense of ensemble unity.
Check it out. It's a good listen.
Labels: music review
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