16 April 2008
Felicia Carter
Feather / Step Lightly
2007, Alberta Records
This double-CD showcases two sides of singer/songwriter Felicia Carter, a fascinating vocalist with a flirtatious, bent-note delivery that sounds a little like Jolie Holland, perhaps with some Maria Muldaur and a dash of Billie Holiday mixed in. Or maybe even a bit of Blossom Dearie. Disc One, Feather, is a set of sparkling original tunes alternating between old-timey barrelhouse romps and haunting ballads. Carter’s smart lyrics and curious melodies are simply captivating, particularly in the disc’s dynamite first half, with beautiful (or bawdy) support from her “core ensemble” of pianist Bob Butta, drummer Frank Russo, bassist/string player Amy Shook and guitarist Donato Soviero.
The second disc, Step Lightly, is a collection of standards and other straightahead jazz fare. While Carter’s vocals continue to mesmerize, this material doesn’t carry the same spark as the less-predictable Feather. But several original blues numbers combine winking sass and easygoing grooves in an irresistible way. Together, these two discs leave no doubt that Felicia Carter is a special talent, well worth seeking out.
Comments...
[click here to submit a comment]
RSS
Atom