In the vast world of vocal music available to us today, there is precious little out there to claim our ears. When a singer like Jaimee Paul comes along, we remember that musical artistry and good taste can produce wonderf... more »ul music in any decade. Jaimee has listened to, and learned, from the singers of the past but she is aware that there is already an Ella, a Rosie, a Lena and a Billie. Her job now is to use all those wonderful influences in a new way. She has all the tools; the voice, the ear, the feel and the spirit, and though you can hear echoes of many people in her voice, she really sounds like nobody but herself. Attribution, without mimicry, is the greatest compliment any singer can pay to the people who have blazed the trail. It is a rare pleasure to play for a singer with the taste, musicality and plain old good sense that Jaimee Paul has. She does great tribute to the iconic girl singers on this project by taking on some of their signature songs. I'm very proud to be a part of this project.« less
In the vast world of vocal music available to us today, there is precious little out there to claim our ears. When a singer like Jaimee Paul comes along, we remember that musical artistry and good taste can produce wonderful music in any decade. Jaimee has listened to, and learned, from the singers of the past but she is aware that there is already an Ella, a Rosie, a Lena and a Billie. Her job now is to use all those wonderful influences in a new way. She has all the tools; the voice, the ear, the feel and the spirit, and though you can hear echoes of many people in her voice, she really sounds like nobody but herself. Attribution, without mimicry, is the greatest compliment any singer can pay to the people who have blazed the trail. It is a rare pleasure to play for a singer with the taste, musicality and plain old good sense that Jaimee Paul has. She does great tribute to the iconic girl singers on this project by taking on some of their signature songs. I'm very proud to be a part of this project.
An Extraordinary Voice Does Not a Five Star Album Make
Gary L Connely | Hercules, CA | 05/31/2009
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Jaimee Paul is a Nashville-based singer who has worked and toured with big-league performers like Lyle Lovett and Wynonna Judd. "At Last" is her debut solo album.
And now, let's get straight to the point: Obviously I disagree with the other reviewers, all of whom have given "At Last" five stars. But I don't disagree in so far as Ms Paul's voice is concerned. She has an extraordinary voice - a lush, sensual, smokey alto. I kid you not, if you heard Ms Paul singing at closing time, you'd think that you had died and gone to heaven. No, it's not Ms Paul's voice that makes "At Last" a so-so album for me.
"At Last" is a set of thirteen standards - ranging from pop to country to jazz. Each song is sung by Ms Paul as a tribute to the iconic singer most closely associated with it. So we get songs like Etta James' "At Last;" Dinah Washington's "What a Difference a Day Makes;" and Patsy Cline's "Crazy." These are great songs, but by the time we hear the thirteenth, Judy Garland's "Over the Rainbow," they have all begun to sound the same. Every song is done at the same mid-tempo with the same orchestration - and man, is this album packed with orchestration - Beegie Adair's trio, swollen to an ochtette, plus the Jeff Steinberg Orchestra. There's some good work here - particularly Ms Adair's subtle piano, Lief Shire's, (Ms Paul's husband), trumpet and Jack Jezzro's guitar - but generally every song is awash in smooth, string-driven pop. By the third cut, I was sayin', "Come on Lady, kick it up a notch!" But Ms Paul never does.
Bottom line: Ms Paul has a five star voice and "At Last" is a three star album. With a voice like this, Ms Paul will be back for a sophmore record. Here's hoping that she gets a chance to show what she can really do!"
One in a million or more
William Polm | Southern California, USA | 02/20/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If you like female vocalists and good old tunes, like those listed on this album,then by all means take a listen.
Every once in a while a singer comes along that leaves you nearly breathless and with one word in your mouth (and heart): "Wow!"
I noticed at Amazon.com that pianist Beegie Adair was the accompanist for this album. That was a strong clue because Beegie is the best, when it comes to pop piano and light jazz, a total joy to listen to, over and over again. Her taste is flawless.
This lady, Jaimee Paul, is just like that, and so much warmth, so much feeling, and a voice to die for. What a career this wonderful singer will have.
Highest recommendation."
Silk Is Harsh In Comparison
H. L. Dietor | Greensburg, PA | 03/29/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If you need a auditory potion that is as good at smoothing out your jangled nerves as a warm cup of tea loaded with the best honey is on a sore throat...give a listen to At Last. Oh, my! Listening to Ms. Paul is the audio equivilant of snuggling in a deep, comfy, easy chair with a fuzzy blanket and warm beverage. You can feel the deep, satisfying sigh moving through your chest after the first few soulful, honied notes. What a beautiful tone! By all means, give this one a try."
This is a must have CD
A. Ashley | Clawson, MI USA | 02/28/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Jamiee Paul is out of this world singer. This is a CD that you will play over and over again."
Pleasantly Surprised
Paul V. Olson | orland park, il USA | 01/05/2010
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I was told by a friend to get this cd , that I would like it. Got the cd without ever hearing a track. Right to the point-I loved it. Her voice is unique and her working of At Last did it justice. Get this cd, you won't be sorry."