Melody Gardot
's debut recording, released in 2006, came two years after she suffered a near fatal automobile accident, the differently able
Gardot
triumphing in accomplishing what many others, including her, could only dream of. This project has her singing and playing guitar and a little piano, but more so presenting this project of all original material.
has an interesting personal story, but even more intriguing music that straddles the line between lounge jazz, folk, and cowgirl songs. She's part sophisticated chanteuse, college sophomore, and down-home girl next door. Her innocence, sweetness, and light are very alluring, much like the persona of tragic songbirds
Eva Cassidy
and
Nancy LaMott
. Feel empathy for
, but don't patronize her -- she's the real deal much more that many of her over-hyped peers.
"Quiet Fire"
is definitely her signature tune, as it speaks volumes of where her soul is at, in a jazz/blues mode, yearning for true love. The title track follows a similar tack, a slow, sweet, sentimental slinky blues that will melt your heart. A finger-snapping
"Goodnite"
leaves you wanting that night to continue, but also exudes a hope that permeates the entire recording. She might be a bit down on men during the nonplussed
"All That I Need Is Love,"
but her subdued optimism glows cool.
"Sweet Memory"
might possibly parallel
Feist
or perhaps
KT Tunstall
in a rural country mode, while
"Gone"
is clearly folkish, and the slow
"Some Lessons"
expresses a contemporary Nashville precept. The laid-back music behind
is basically acoustic, incorporating hip jazz instrumentation, especially the trumpet of
Patrick Hughes
and occasional organ, Wurlitzer, or Fender Rhodes from
Joel Bryant
, but with twists including violin, lap steel, and Dobro. The concise nature of this recording and these tunes perfectly reflects the realization that life is precious, every moment counts, and satisfaction is fleeting. Likely to be placed in the
Norah Jones
/
Nellie McKay
Madeleine Peyroux
pseudo jazz/pop sweepstakes,
offers something decidedly more authentic and genuine. She's one-upped them all out of the gate. ~ Michael G. Nastos