EVELYN LAURIE - A Little Bit Of Me
Self Release: www.evelynlaurie.com
Evelyn Laurie (vocals); Euan Stevenson (piano); Mario Caribe (bass); Tom Gordon (percussion); Frank Bolam (guitar); Konrad Wiszniewski (tenor saxophone)
This is quite simply a wonderful album of familiar standards and a couple of originals thrown in for good measure by Paisley born and bred singer, Evelyn Laurie.
Laurie has been performing and gigging around her native area for a number of years, although her day job keeps her busy, and perhaps away from her passion for music more than it should (or we would like), and has therefore also waited a long time before releasing her debut album. However, now it is out there, and perhaps it is time for one of Scotland's best kept secrets to garner more of the exposure that her talent deserves.
At first glance the recording may look a little safe. Mostly well known songs that will, potentially, hold no surprises or upsets for the listener, but this album is so much more. Yes the mood is often relaxed, but not so sleepy as to suggest the horizontal. The arrangements are gently swinging, which suits Ms Laurie's soft and expressive delivery, unhurried yet commanding the attention and the superb contributions of the band she assembled for the sessions.
The rhythm section are totally on top of their game supporting the vocals with a subtle lift that never seeks to dominate or force the songs in another direction, but let the singer tell her story, which she does with aplomb with fine contributions from pianist Euan Stevenson and Frank Bolam on guitar.
If for much of the time the music is on a slow burn, with Ms Laurie and her cohorts turning out fine readings of 'Close Your Eyes' and 'I Fall In Love Too Easily'; and a joyous 'Lullaby Of Birdland' some of the most startling songs are served up on the second half of the album. 'I Love Your Smile' is an original by Evelyn that exudes pure sunshine and is delightfully uplifting, and immediately followed by 'In The Dark' written by Jack Trombey with lyrics by the Laurie, and a dramatic arrangement with excellent saxophone playing from Wiszniewski that lends itself to a more contemporary setting that suggests a fertile musical ground that the singer will hopefully pursue in more depth in the future.
'Wichita Lineman' by Jimmy Webb is a new tune to me, but another highlight of the set, along with the wholly satisfying duet with Mario Caribe on 'I'm A Fool To Want You'. A setting that could easily be the downfall in lesser hands, but again is another highlight in an album awash with subtle little surprises.
Evelyn has talked in an interview elsewhere about plans for a couple more albums in the near future, in the meantime A Little Bit Of Me is a stunningly beautiful album from a lady who has waited far too long before making her debut recording.
Reviewed by Nick Lea
Self Release: www.evelynlaurie.com
Evelyn Laurie (vocals); Euan Stevenson (piano); Mario Caribe (bass); Tom Gordon (percussion); Frank Bolam (guitar); Konrad Wiszniewski (tenor saxophone)
This is quite simply a wonderful album of familiar standards and a couple of originals thrown in for good measure by Paisley born and bred singer, Evelyn Laurie.
Laurie has been performing and gigging around her native area for a number of years, although her day job keeps her busy, and perhaps away from her passion for music more than it should (or we would like), and has therefore also waited a long time before releasing her debut album. However, now it is out there, and perhaps it is time for one of Scotland's best kept secrets to garner more of the exposure that her talent deserves.
At first glance the recording may look a little safe. Mostly well known songs that will, potentially, hold no surprises or upsets for the listener, but this album is so much more. Yes the mood is often relaxed, but not so sleepy as to suggest the horizontal. The arrangements are gently swinging, which suits Ms Laurie's soft and expressive delivery, unhurried yet commanding the attention and the superb contributions of the band she assembled for the sessions.
The rhythm section are totally on top of their game supporting the vocals with a subtle lift that never seeks to dominate or force the songs in another direction, but let the singer tell her story, which she does with aplomb with fine contributions from pianist Euan Stevenson and Frank Bolam on guitar.
If for much of the time the music is on a slow burn, with Ms Laurie and her cohorts turning out fine readings of 'Close Your Eyes' and 'I Fall In Love Too Easily'; and a joyous 'Lullaby Of Birdland' some of the most startling songs are served up on the second half of the album. 'I Love Your Smile' is an original by Evelyn that exudes pure sunshine and is delightfully uplifting, and immediately followed by 'In The Dark' written by Jack Trombey with lyrics by the Laurie, and a dramatic arrangement with excellent saxophone playing from Wiszniewski that lends itself to a more contemporary setting that suggests a fertile musical ground that the singer will hopefully pursue in more depth in the future.
'Wichita Lineman' by Jimmy Webb is a new tune to me, but another highlight of the set, along with the wholly satisfying duet with Mario Caribe on 'I'm A Fool To Want You'. A setting that could easily be the downfall in lesser hands, but again is another highlight in an album awash with subtle little surprises.
Evelyn has talked in an interview elsewhere about plans for a couple more albums in the near future, in the meantime A Little Bit Of Me is a stunningly beautiful album from a lady who has waited far too long before making her debut recording.
Reviewed by Nick Lea
