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Reviewers: Don Mather, Dick Stafford, Marc Bridle, John Eyles, Ian Lace, Colin Clarke





Clare Teal

That’s the way It Is

Candid CCD 79767

AmazonUK fullprice

  1. Messin’ with fire
  2. Night and Day
  3. You’re My Thrill
  4. Love is a State of Mind
  5. Heber, the Receiver
  6. That’s the Way It Is
  7. Ill Wind
  8. How Little we Know
  9. Sleep, Little Man
  10. Our Love is Here to Stay
  11. Speak low
  12. Circle Moon

Clare Teal – Vocals: Trevor Whiting –Reeds: Nils Solberg – Guitar: Martin Litton – Piano: Richard Jefferies – Bass: Rod Brown – Drums: John Day – Bass Tack 10

This is a very impressive album by Clare Teal, I don’t know whether it is her first, but she shows a great deal of maturity, that can only have come from experience. All the basics are there, good intonation, diction and a flair for the delivery of a song. The backings too are in good hands, the musicians do a magnificent job of supporting the singer and contribute some excellent solos to complement the vocal performance. There is a nice balance between standards and new material, which keeps the listener intent and wanting more. Clare claims Ella, Sarah and Louis as influences, but I could also hear shades of Peggy Lee, Billy Holiday and many others. Clare does not, it appears to me, set out to imitate anyone, but it is obvious that she has listened intelligently to the best

Clare and Nigel Stonier wrote ‘’Messin’ with Fire’; it is an ideal opening track, great fun! It is followed by two fine standards and then another of Clare’s compositions ‘Love is a State of Mind’. The album continues in a similar vein and every track features some good solos from one or two members of the backing ensemble. The scat singing on ‘Heber’ really takes off and then there is a complete contrast with ‘That’s the Way it is’, which has some delightful piano playing from Martin Litton.

It is obvious that Clare has the voice and the personality to succeed big time and I hope she does, it would be well deserved.

 

Don Mather


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