Loretta McNair: Cold Rain
Musicians:
Loretta McNair (vocals),
Ian Francisco (piano, organ, guitar), Jerry Adamos (bass), Mike Weiland (drums)
.Composed by Loretta McNair & Ian Francisco
.Recorded: Westminster, CA, 2008
Rating: 86/100 (learn more)
It is interesting how listeners can hear different influences in a voice. The PR material that accompanied Loretta McNair's Intimate Portrait suggested that her voice is reminiscent of "'40s & '50s era singers like Rosemary Clooney and Judy Garland with a touch of Julie London." I put on the first cut, "Cold Rain," expecting to hear what I had just read. But I don't detect a hint of those songstresses. Instead I hear a cross between Phoebe Snow and Diane Schuur. The resemblance is clear as day to me.
"Cold Rain" is the best song on this album, which is really a folk, blues and pop record with some jazz- influenced cuts. McNair and Ian Francisco have written a fine melody coupled with some touching lyrics that allow McNair's expressive voice to tell a story that holds our attention. This isn't principally a jazz number, but there is enough of a taste that the voice and band's performance make it a keeper for any jazz fan.
Reviewer: Walter Kolosky
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