1. Joyful, Joyful, We Adore You
2. Wayfaring Stranger
3. How Can I Keep from Singing?
4. House of the Rising Sun
5. How Long, How Long Blues
Lucy Smith- Vocals
Michael Caskey - Drums
Marcin Fahmy - Piano, keyboards
Junius Paul - Bass
In the old days we would have called this an "EP",
as it is an extended-play disc containing only five songs, totalling
less than 19 minutes. Singer Lucy Smith chose these songs as ones
that her mother played in Lucy's youth. Chicago-born Lucy says "It
is music I grew up listening to and rebelling against". She also says
that she used to enjoy playing her mother's records, so I'm not sure
where the rebellion comes in. Now, she says, "I find my mother and
her music in just about everything I do". Lucy is grateful that her
mother intoduced her to such artists as Josh White, Miriam Makeba
and Trini Lopez.
The CD has the air of gospel music throughout, starting with a song based on the finale of Beethoven's 9th Symphony, albeit with a slight Latin-American
feeling. Junius Paul adds a neat bass solo. Wayfaring Stranger is a well-known folk song, recorded by such people as Burl Ives and
Emmylou Harris. Marcin Fahmy augments the poignant atmosphere with his tender piano solo. House of the Rising Sun. with its possible hints about
drug-taking, prostitution, drinking or gambling, is an odd song with which to remember one's mother but Lucy delivers it with feeling. How Long, How Long Blues is a standard blues which suits Lucy's voice well.
Lucy Smithy has a deep, warm voice, although its depth can make the lyrics difficult to hear. This is a pleasing CD despite its shortness.
Tony Augarde
www.augardebooks.co.uk
CD Reviews
Lucysmithjazz LMS 1263
