Mandy Barnett: Every Star Above

Vocalist Mandy Barnett gives homage to the classic Billie Holiday album Lady in Satin by revisiting those tunes, albeit under the arrangement of the iconic pen of Sammy Nestico. Oh, there are still plenty of strings and horns as on the original, but they have a different  atmosphere creating a more Broadway atmosphere with the orchestra anchored by the jazz team of Pat Coil/p, Kerry Marx/g, Danny O’Lannerghty/b and Paul Leim/dr. Also, and thankfully, Barnett isn’t nearly so desultory and fragile as Lady Day. She pleads with strength on “You’ve Changed” and is dramatic with pianist Pat Coil on “Glad To Be Unhappy”. Guitarist Kerry Marx weaves around Kirsten Copely’s harp as Barnett gives a husky and almost convinced “I Get Along Without You Very Well” with Danny O’Lannerghty’s bass lilting with her on ”It’s Easy To Remember”. She and Coil dig into some deep blue turf, however on “You Don’t Know What Love Is” and draws you into her intimate world on “But Beautiful”.  While Barnett produces reads that are more polished and “legit” sounding than Holiday, she succeeds in serving as a strong salute without losing her own identity or trying to imitate her in the process. A tough tightrope that is successfully walked. .

www.mandybarnett.com

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