You'll Be Impressed With Kevyn Lettau!
Alain Brouillaud | Helsinki, FINLAND | 06/26/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I am very confident that after you listen to "Miracle Voice": The Best of Kevyn Lettau, you'll come back and buy up the rest of her collection! Please keep in mind that her new album "Police" was released after "Miracle Voice".I first discovered Kevyn Lettau at a record store. I didn't hear any of her music, there was no listening station, all I could go by was the musicians she had worked with - Sergio Mendes, Dori Caymmi and Yutaka to name a few. I was impressed by that resume and my ears have been thanking me ever since!All the songs are GREAT! With each listen you'll start to ask yourself why she isn't being played on "smooth jazz" radio? Let's browse through the CD:"Another Season" - Title cut from her 3rd CD. A jazzy bossa nova type of cut co-written with Brazilian Kleber Jorge. You'll enjoy Jorge's keyboard solo as well"Lead Me Inside Your Love" - Also from "Another Season". Another pleasurable cut showcasing Kevyn's higher range in her lovely voice."Morning Kisses" - The gem from "Another Season"! I can't imagine anyone not wanting to play this for a loved one. Kevyn's lyrics say it all: "Every night I say a prayer, Grateful for the life we share, I will always love you, Can't imagine facing every day, Without a morning kiss from you""Universal Language" - The title track from her 4th album co-wriiten with the great Djavan. A very catchy, up-tempo type of song. Here Kevyn gathers her life's experiences and puts it into this song telling us that: "It's a universal language of the people"."Shooting For The Stars" - From her self titled album. You can hear Yutaka's influence on this cut - he did co-write the song with L. Feather."Your Smile" - From "Kevyn Lettau". A beautiful remake of a song recorded by Sergio Mendes and Brasil 86'. "You Said" - From "Brazil Jazz". One of my favorite Lettau cuts period! Great percussion by Michael Shapiro and great guitar by Peter Sprague. This album is sadly overlooked on this CD."We Know The Way By Heart" - The first cut from the "Simple Life" CD. Here we hear a song that has potential to be played on easy listening radio at least. Good rhythm, very soulful and a catchy chorus."Sunlight" - From "Simple Life". A beautiful ballad. I suggest playing this on a Sunday morning with a hot cup of tea. "The Heart Of My Heart" - From "The Language Of Flowers" - This song could/should be played on radio. Here Yutaka and Kevyn have cooked up a song that has HIT all over it - the record execs were definitly asleep at the wheel on this one!"Take A Look" - From "Simple Life". A spot on look at homelessness. A song that George W. couldn't comprehend for sure!"Tribute To You" - From "Universal Language". Another heartfelt beautiful song to her husband Michael Shapiro."Forever Lover And Friend" - From "Simple Life". When I had to choose a song for my wedding this was it. The song says it all!"Our Lasting Love" - From "Universal Language". The music is borrowed from Yutaka's "Perfect Love" with Lettau's lyrics. This was quite challenging because "Perfect Love" has lyrics, so I had to wipe them out so I could appreciate "Our Lasting Love". I will admit that it took a while for it to sink in. Those of you who are familiar with Yutaka's version will know what I mean."Lucky Girl" - From "The Language Of Flowers". A very catchy tune that will have your feet tapping for sure. Another song that easily fits into the easy listening/adult contempoary format."I'm Better At Hello" - From "The Language Of Flowers". A song gives us some direction/maturation on those feelings we used to have when we were quite infatuated with someone else."Bridges (Travessia)" - From "Kevyn Lettau". Another quality remake of this Milton Nascimento classic. You'll also appreciate Kevyn's competent singing in Portugese - something I'm sure most Brazilians will nod their heads in agreement.Well, I've spent about 50 plus minutes putting my thoughts about this. I've never had the pleasure of meeting Kevyn Lettau, but she has become a very good friend in my musical soul. I'm 99 and 44/100 percent sure she'll touch your soul as well.Enjoy, Alain"
Track Listings (17) - Disc #1