Search - Cheryl Bentyne :: Something Cool

9 out of 5 is not bad

Avid Reader | Franklin, Tn | 06/02/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Yes, that is not a misprint. This recording gets nine starts out of the measly five offered. It does not get the ten that the incredible "Talk of the Town" rates but then what does? I'll put it succinctly and to the point: This is dynamite if you love a professional musicianship, superb artistry vs meowing into a microphone and arrangements that are so creative as to be almost original works of art. The only thing more agreeable than watching Ms. Bentyne (what a looker!) is listening to her. That sultry, clear, mature, lilting (add more superlatives if you wish) voice tantalizes, teases, guides and soothes the listener. "Something Cool", that much maligned old standard, receives an exquisite, personal interpretation that once again, made the old sound new. Every single selection is a jewel and only gets better upon repeated listenings - If you get a chance, order today, right now!"

Great display of Bentyne's drop-dead voice

Bruce Hodges | New York, NY | 01/06/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The four members of the Manhattan Transfer are each, on their own terms, outstanding singers, which is one of the reasons they sound so terrific together. But the quartet's two female members, Janis Siegel and Cheryl Bentyne, have each done some equally memorable solo work. This CD is now about ten years old, and worth revisiting since Bentyne's next one, "Talk of the Town," is just being released in the U.S. (I envy those lucky souls in Japan who have already heard this for about a year.)Voices are always a very personal thing, but I find it difficult to think of who would not enjoy Bentyne's consummate musicianship and incredible control. The very first track, the dreamy "Something Cool," sets the languid tone for the entire CD, and Bentyne sounds terrific. (You might quibble with the spacey, electronics-filled accompaniment, but never mind.) Other delights include a piercing "Let's Go Out Tonight" with Bentyne sailing rivetingly high at the end, and Kurt Weill's "Lonely House" done with sweeping emotion. The great thing about Bentyne is that she really *sings*, without overuse of melisma (a technique of singing several notes on a single syllable). Her technique can be powerful when called for, all the way down to an intimate hush that is equally impressive. Her collaborator here is trumpeter Mark Isham, who also sounds beautiful, and the entire CD has a dreamy, faraway quality that is most engaging. The sound quality is excellent, keeping attention focused on Bentyne's crystal clear voice. If you like good jazz singing, this will surely keep you very happy."