Search - KT Sullivan :: Sing My Heart: The Songs of Harold Arlen

A classy tribute to a classy writer

Mr G | Lisbon | 02/19/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Harold Arlen is perhaps the most underrated of the major American songwriters, at least by the general public. His was, in fact, a master of the art, infusing his compositions with subtle, surprising harmonies and accents; he could write a swinging song like no other, but his ballads were equally beautiful. His songs were often unusually structured, and this makes his work an exciting challenge for the singer, and one to which K T Sullivan rises beautifully. The songs selected for this album are extremely well-chosen, reflecting Arlen's talent in a myriad of ways. Sullivan is adept at putting over any type of song, although those who are not favourable towards sopranos might not be so enchanted. I admire the way she can bring passion and warmth into her sweet voice, which combines to offer truly seductive singing. Her version of the title song on this CD is unlikely to be superceded, a wonderfuuly controlled delivery of a neglected Arlen gem. The other, more well-known songs are also handled superbly, from a haunting and desperate medley of 'Ill Wind/I Got A Right To Sing The Blues' to a delightfully jaunty 'Let's Take A Walk Around The Block'. Her duet with her sister on 'Two Ladies..' is inspired (and very sexy to boot). I also love her rendition of the magnificent 'It's A New World'. Throughout, master pianist/arranger Mike Renzi plays with his customary excellence, with some fine supporting players. Altogether, a very classy album : highly recommended!"