COLLETTE COOPER - Lost
Thelonious Punk Records
Collette Cooper - Vocals; George Muranyi - Piano; Francois Moreau - Double Bass; Graeme Flowers - Trumpet; Cyro Zuzi - Drums
Collette Cooper is a powerhouse of a musician whose energy and support for those who are fortunate enough to come into contact with her. She also knows a lot of great musicians, which becomes evident as you listen to this music. This EP - but more than an EP as it is 7 full bodied, full throttle tracks- is just a great listen.
'Coda' begins with a vocals and harmonica discussion and raucous laughter from Collette, a bit of re-adjustment and then the vocals come in like a train, full on and powerful. More laughter - the dog apparently leaves the room and Collette apologises for the harmonica ( which, to be honest she won't mind me saying, she should).
'Don't Throw Your Love Away' is mesmerising, especially if you have not heard Cooper's voice before. As they say, 'man she got some pipes on her'. It is deep, sensual and sensitive - a great combination and the emotion is pure. This number is delivered with all the sassiness of a Vaudeville queen and so smoothly slick it almost envelopes the listener. The vocals range from soft, seductive to fierce and demanding, something for everyone. The band whirl around the vocals like creating a supportive well of solid sound. A wonderfully enjoyable listen.
' I Put A Spell On You' is a great song by Screamin' Jay Hawkins and Cooper's interpretation finds some hidden depths to the song - namely in the spacing of the notes and the rhythmic patterns she finds to share in the delivery. The trumpet solo on this from Graeme Flowers is magnificent and perfect for the tripped out, laid back nature of the song. Deep, lustrous and slick as midnight velvet this is an absolutely gorgeous version of the number.
'Lost Soul' is a bluesey, sleazy, slung back number with more than a hint of decadence which adds to the atmosphere of a lost soul seeking redemption. The piano line is slightly crazy and the trumpet once again is sublime. Cooper has a power in her delivery which cuts to the heart and here, supported brilliantly by the musicians with which she chooses to surround herself, the listener will be hoping that if they find redemption, it will be in this music.
'Outta My Mind' is such a well worked number , it bring together a big band opening, a great narrative delivered with raw, emotive vocals and a lyricism which is a joy to behold. Cooper tells the tale of unforgettable love in tones which vary according to the story line - making it impossible to listen to just part of the song. You will stay to the end.
'Perfect Girls' begins with deep, resonating bowed bass over which the voice enters with the quirky counter intuitive rhythms and a slightly continental stride to the number. Different, intriguing and almost impish when the singer enthuses about the perfection of a girl but reminds us, ' but you will expire' The middle section is melodic, theatrical and repeats ' the bright light shines on your presence', until it becomes a mantra of despising as the icon fades, the bass introduces melancholy again and the perfect girls falls from grace, only to be reminded of her once perfect world in the reprise. A beautifully crafted number.
'Street Life' is not what you expect - forget Roxy Music, lovely as their ownership of this number once was, this is a re-imagined, thrusting, sassy interpretation and well delivered with the band again supporting the raw, emotive, full throttle vocals which Cooper projects with absolute aplomb.
This is a great album, full of life, emotion and complete fun. Influences can be heard form Nina Simone, Eartha Kitt, classic jazz and deep, deep blues. Add in a touch of punk and a snifter of Vaudeville and there you have it.
Proceeds will go to support the work of Nordoff Robbins, the largest music therapy charity which is dedicated to investigating the impact that music therapy can have for those affected by life-limiting illness, isolation or disability, led by the real experiences of the people that they support.
The album was recorded in one take, which adds to the impact of this being a singular moment of time when a great singer came together with outstanding musicians and produced an exceptional recording.
Reviewed by Sammy Stein
Thelonious Punk Records
Collette Cooper - Vocals; George Muranyi - Piano; Francois Moreau - Double Bass; Graeme Flowers - Trumpet; Cyro Zuzi - Drums
Collette Cooper is a powerhouse of a musician whose energy and support for those who are fortunate enough to come into contact with her. She also knows a lot of great musicians, which becomes evident as you listen to this music. This EP - but more than an EP as it is 7 full bodied, full throttle tracks- is just a great listen.
'Coda' begins with a vocals and harmonica discussion and raucous laughter from Collette, a bit of re-adjustment and then the vocals come in like a train, full on and powerful. More laughter - the dog apparently leaves the room and Collette apologises for the harmonica ( which, to be honest she won't mind me saying, she should).
'Don't Throw Your Love Away' is mesmerising, especially if you have not heard Cooper's voice before. As they say, 'man she got some pipes on her'. It is deep, sensual and sensitive - a great combination and the emotion is pure. This number is delivered with all the sassiness of a Vaudeville queen and so smoothly slick it almost envelopes the listener. The vocals range from soft, seductive to fierce and demanding, something for everyone. The band whirl around the vocals like creating a supportive well of solid sound. A wonderfully enjoyable listen.
' I Put A Spell On You' is a great song by Screamin' Jay Hawkins and Cooper's interpretation finds some hidden depths to the song - namely in the spacing of the notes and the rhythmic patterns she finds to share in the delivery. The trumpet solo on this from Graeme Flowers is magnificent and perfect for the tripped out, laid back nature of the song. Deep, lustrous and slick as midnight velvet this is an absolutely gorgeous version of the number.
'Lost Soul' is a bluesey, sleazy, slung back number with more than a hint of decadence which adds to the atmosphere of a lost soul seeking redemption. The piano line is slightly crazy and the trumpet once again is sublime. Cooper has a power in her delivery which cuts to the heart and here, supported brilliantly by the musicians with which she chooses to surround herself, the listener will be hoping that if they find redemption, it will be in this music.
'Outta My Mind' is such a well worked number , it bring together a big band opening, a great narrative delivered with raw, emotive vocals and a lyricism which is a joy to behold. Cooper tells the tale of unforgettable love in tones which vary according to the story line - making it impossible to listen to just part of the song. You will stay to the end.
'Perfect Girls' begins with deep, resonating bowed bass over which the voice enters with the quirky counter intuitive rhythms and a slightly continental stride to the number. Different, intriguing and almost impish when the singer enthuses about the perfection of a girl but reminds us, ' but you will expire' The middle section is melodic, theatrical and repeats ' the bright light shines on your presence', until it becomes a mantra of despising as the icon fades, the bass introduces melancholy again and the perfect girls falls from grace, only to be reminded of her once perfect world in the reprise. A beautifully crafted number.
'Street Life' is not what you expect - forget Roxy Music, lovely as their ownership of this number once was, this is a re-imagined, thrusting, sassy interpretation and well delivered with the band again supporting the raw, emotive, full throttle vocals which Cooper projects with absolute aplomb.
This is a great album, full of life, emotion and complete fun. Influences can be heard form Nina Simone, Eartha Kitt, classic jazz and deep, deep blues. Add in a touch of punk and a snifter of Vaudeville and there you have it.
Proceeds will go to support the work of Nordoff Robbins, the largest music therapy charity which is dedicated to investigating the impact that music therapy can have for those affected by life-limiting illness, isolation or disability, led by the real experiences of the people that they support.
The album was recorded in one take, which adds to the impact of this being a singular moment of time when a great singer came together with outstanding musicians and produced an exceptional recording.
Reviewed by Sammy Stein
