Not sure how I missed this review but here it is.....jj Wolfgang Giese - Jude Johnstone- Shatter Jude Johnstone, the Los Angeles pianist and singer / songwriter is actually from Maine. So you can hear a specific sound already. Beginning with the first song, the artist, a character, but this is what it takes, given the melody, given the arrangements - the marvelously integrated Brass - to be immediately felt. But the song is way too short and Im suddenly in a different world: Here it swings, here is a jazz song that reminds me of arrangements of Tom Waits, but is spreading a little of the Andrews Sisters. In a few moments, I think of tracks by Kate Bush. As multicultural life in Los Angeles is, probably as it may explain how diverse this cd is. And it remains so for the rest of the ride. Jude Johnstones lyrics are brimming with poetry and life experience. They are about relationships, and about life in general and in particular. The melodies are catchy and accommodating. Many other musicians have recorded her songs in the past, from Johnny Cash and Emmylou Harris to Jennifer Warnes and Clarence Clemons, the man who discovered her when she was eighteen years old. Catchy songs alternate with more quirky and mystical, like the smoldering The Underground Man, with the sound of muted trumpet. In the background you can hear a far away electric guitar, well rounded with a nice string arrangement. Versatile as the song is, also is the voice of the protagonist, sometimes it acts sassy, sometimes tender, sometimes dark, then childlike again, but it also very harmonious. Touchdown Jesus breathes something of the spirit of New Orleans music. As the song is said to have originated after a meeting with Dr. John there. Who Could Ask For More, this song I love most - creates a very special atmosphere and dramatic pause. A little hint of the Beatles, I seem to hear. Since the release of her first CD in 2002, there have always been different shades, including a very jazzy turn in 2007, and that element reappears on the current production of this sixth cd, Shatter. Many different paths come together without appearing individually. Rather, a very special sound has developed, with this singer / songwriter, with a bluesy and jazzy touch. Especially the use of the trumpet plays a very important role. The basic form of the music is often in contrast to the harsh pace on the one hand and soft string operations on the other. Then to top it off, there is a subtle homage to reggae in the last piece. This music is in fact quite unique and I absolutely recommend to open this cosmos of sound.
Posted on: Thu, 03 Jul 2014 07:38:32 +0000
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