Tenderly marks, for Stacey Kent, a return to the Great American Songbook for which she first became known. The performances on Tenderly are clearly on another level to those of her earlier standards albums. There is a natural ease and confidence in the minimalist approach that she has honed over the years. Not a single extraneous note or gesture disturbs her daringly exposed performances. The pure and quiet intensity of these interpretations reveals both the song and the artist with astonishing vividness. Along with the title song, the album features such classics as Tangerine, That s All and Gershwin s Embraceable You. American singer, Stacey Kent, is an artist who is so hard to categorize, she almost deserves a category to herself. A sublime interpreter of the Great American Songbook, Chanson and Bossa Nova, whose repertoire extends well beyond her jazz roots, fluent in French and Portuguese, she doesn t so much transcend genre as much as render the idea redundant. Each element of her personal sound is so perfectly integrated that one never feels as if she is crossing any boundaries of genre. Her 2007 album, Breakfast on the Morning Tram, achieved platinum status and was nominated for a Grammy Award®. She s won countless other awards including Jazz Vocalist of the Year at the 2001 BBC Jazz Awards and French Chevalier Dans L Ordre Des Arts et Des Lettres in 2010.
C**N
Modern Jazz
I discovered Stacey Kent when I listened other artists on YouTube. Amazing voice and sultry rhythm that bring out the best of today's jazz.
M**R
Anticipate Sunshine!
When worry wears heavily on your shoulders, when world struggles seem insoluble, when weather predicts more gloom - there's MUSIC!! Or, as I added in a text to a friend, "When was the last time you heard Tangerine?" That said, you'll find It (Tangerine) and other favorites on Stacey Kent's album TENDERLY.Her interpretation of There Will Never Be Another You sings so beautiful as does That's All. And it's worth waiting for the Wee Small Hours of the Morning to hear Jim Tomlinson's tenor sax enter the "conversation" with Stacey. Yes! The day looks brighter indeed! MAF
R***
I Love All The Many Charms About This Album
It's unbelievable that I've been listening to this album, "Tenderly," Stacey Kent's latest recording which is a total winner for many days now since I got it from the mail. And I absolutely love it and enjoy every minute each time I listen. Every track is a wonderful winner from "Only Trust Your Heart" to "If I Had You." How could an ardent music lover like me not love this recording when there are so many charms about it?Stacey Kent nailed it again! She "tenderly" aced her interpretations of all the tracks in this album of American and Brazilian standards. She is backed by a trio of exceptional musicians namely Roberto Menescal on guitar, Jeremy Brown on double bass and Jim Tomlinson on tenor saxophone and alto flute.According to Stacey Kent and Roberto Menescal, this album represents "her return to the Great American Songbook and his return to the jazz roots that inspired that young guitarist in the heyday of the Bossa Nova years." Stacey Kent herself is a big fan of Bossa Nova and she has beautifully recorded some Bossa Nova staples.I never really thought of the great talent that Roberto Menescal possess in guitar until I've listened to this album in its entirety. He has used all the resources of his favorite instrument to the fullest. I now consider him as one of the greatest and most notable guitarists the music world has ever known. He is not only an outstanding musician but also a composer, record producer and one of the founders of Bossa Nova music. In 2014, the Latin Grammy Awards bestowed upon him the highest award given to any musician, Lifetime Achievement Award.Jim Tomlinson has been one of my favorite musicians of all-time whose artistry in tenor saxophone is almost like that of Stan Getz. He also plays alto flute on the jazziest "No Moon At All." Listen closely to that marvelous sound of his flute. The same is true with Jeremy Brown who flawlessly plays double bass on most of the tracks. The arrangements and renditions are nothing short of splendid and superb. You will never skip a track but will definitely listen repeatedly. This CD is certainly a keeper!The material is very well-chosen and there isn't any weak link. For fans of the Great American Songbook, you'll be ecstatic that there's a bit of George and Ira Gershwin, a dose of Harry Warren and Mack Gordon, a dash of Ray Noble, a touch of Johnny Mercer and Victor Scherzinger, a trace of Sammy Cahn and Benny Carter, a spot of Bob Hilliard and David Mann plus a lot more to expect from this lovely recording.The entire album is such a joy to listen to but my highlights include:"Embraceable You"You irreplaceable youJust one look at youMy heart grew tipsy in meYou and you alone bring out the Gypsy in me..."The Very Thought of You"I see your face in every flowerYour eyes in stars aboveIt's just the thought of youThe very thought of you, my love..."There Will Never Be Another You"There will be other songs to singAnother Fall, another SpringBut there will never be another you..."If I Had You"I could show the world how to smileI could be glad all of the whileI could change the gray skies to blueIf I had you..."That's All"I can only give you love that lasts foreverAnd a promise to be near each time you callAnd the only heart I own for you and you aloneThat's all, that's all...I love all the many charms about this album. You will, too.
C**R
Stacey and her band never disappoint!
Superb song interpretations, intonation, band members, and interaction between band and vocalist. Stacey and her band are consistently top quality on every CD they release and they always bring something fresh to the music while capturing your heart, soul and imagination. Stacey and her band are dedicated, busy, hard working, warm, approachable, accessible and consummate musicians. And they have a far flung, deep and loyal following! The lure of the music will sneaks up on you -- slowly at first. Then, next thing you know, you're captivated. Give it a listen and you'll understand. I only wish they spent more time in the U.S. But they don't need to, because their large and loyal following throughout Europe and Asia keeps them very busy (though they do make a yearly stop at Birdland in NYC and occasionally the SF Bay Area). "Breakfast on the Morning Tram" is my all time favorite CD of theirs. But I urge you to browse through their collection for your favorite tunes among the vast array of American musical standards and choose accordingly. You won't be sorry you did (unless your New Year's resolution was to cut down on your CD purchasing habit!).
C**N
So tender !
These songs are floating like soap bubbles carried by the sweet and delicate voice of Stacey Kent. Beautiful !
M**L
Five Stars
Great music and good recording
J**L
Highly recommended.
Saw Stacey Kent in Belfast 20 years ago and have admired her ever since. Both she and her voice were lovely and she is entirely. unchanged.. Highly recommended.
P**N
FINE
FINE
A**R
Five Stars
What a gorgeous album.
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