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Clare Teal
That’s the way It Is
 Candid CCD
79767
AmazonUK
fullprice
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- Messin’ with fire
- Night and Day
- You’re My Thrill
- Love is a State of Mind
- Heber, the Receiver
- That’s the Way It Is
- Ill Wind
- How Little we Know
- Sleep, Little Man
- Our Love is Here to Stay
- Speak low
- 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
CD Reviews
