The version of this record
I received is marked ‘For promotion Only-Not
for Sale, release date October 2004. I
assume therefore it is now released and
generally available. It is Clare’s first
recording for a major international record
company and very good it is too! I tried
her website for more information on the
supporting musicians, but no further info.
was available.
The reason for searching
is that the backings are as good, as Clare’s
exceptional singing, the backing groups
vary from jazz quintet (Alan Barnes?),
to swinging big band, to string choir.
It seems certain that
Clare has a very big future in the world
of International record sales, she has
a fine voice, excellent diction and phrasing
and that certain something, that makes
a good singer into an international star.
She also contributes several of her own
compositions, which are in no way out
of place with the works of Ellington,
Porter etc. There is some wonderful jazz
trumpet on The Music Goes Round and Round
(Bruce Adams?) and some fine excellent
jazz tenor (Ben Castle?) on other tracks.
In a Mellow Tone gets
a Manhattan Transfer type of treatment,
very well performed by all concerned,
but with Clare leading the way home throughout!
So In love, is back to
the intimate treatment with vibes and
guitar used to great effect in the backing.
Finally back to the big band for a swinging
bluesy I Just want to Make love to You,
do I remember Peggy Lee doing this one,
or is my mind playing tricks on me?
Congratulations to all concerned for
a fine album!
Don Mather
CD Reviews
Sony Jazz Columbia 5186702 
