Search - Lea Delaria :: Live Smoke Sessions

Live and HOT!

Michael McCLain | West Chester, Pennsylvania United States | 09/09/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"While it is very hard to capture a live audience and give an excellent performance without thinking about how it will sound recorded - Miss D manages to excell in all areas of live recording.



The voice is perfect for the songs chosen, smokey blues, uptempo numbers, and classics fill this cd with a wall to wall, wish I was there for this live performance sound, a sound that is captured beautifully. An accompanying video of this event would be a welcome collection to lovers of jazz and just hot music all around!



Her playful banter, IMO, is very close to that of Patti Austin, and the two of them on the same bill would be a dream come true for me!



Congrats to you Miss D...another great selection of songs that only showcase what the gay community has known all along...you are one very talented Lady - keep the "puffs" coming!



"

Light 'em if you got 'em.

J. Salzenstein | Boston, MA | 09/19/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Lea DeLaria is fabulous. An incredible performer with an enormous amount of talent, how she does it is anyone's guess. Personally, I think she's got a big black woman hidden underneath that peachy skin, because I've no idea how a 50-year old white girl could have so much soul and rhythm.



One of the most underrated jazz singers of our time, DeLaria's newest album, The Live Smoke Sessions, is also one of her most spirited. And while I plan at least one Sunday morning each month around Double Standards, her 2005 studio album, I found myself so impressed by her talent for singing, scatting, and ability to engage a clearly enthralled audience, that this live recording might just take the place of DS in my official Sunday morning pot of coffee, NY Times crossword puzzle and jazz CD trio.



Listening to The Live Smoke Sessions, you can easily imagine yourself in a jazz club in the 1920s. DeLaria's voice is beyond captivating, her timing perfect, and the distinctiveness of the instruments- and clear talent of the people playing them- is nearly unreal.



No other title would have worked for this album; listening to it with your eyes shut, you're instantly transported to the dark interior of a subterranean bar where snifters of brandy sit on every table and tendrils of smoke from nearby cigars and cigarettes linger in the heavy air like intoxicated snakes, entranced by her melodic charm.



There aren't any bad songs on this album, but there are a couple that stick out as beyond incredible. Although it's surely been covered by hundreds of artists, Miss Otis Regrets has never been covered like this, and it's truly something to take in.



DeLaria takes another standard to new heights with her version of Love for Sale; her interpretation is nuanced, spirited, and very satisfying. The singer's adorable (and funny) shout-out to her girlfriend in Night and Day is also a treat.



True jazz fans have known about Lea DeLaria for years, but they'll still be impressed with this album. If you like jazz- even if you're just an occasional listener- you owe it to yourself to pick up this album.



Your Sunday mornings may never be the same...



Addendum :: I found out after writing this review that the shout-out in "Night and Day" is actually directed at Lea's bassist, Mary Ann McSweeney. Apparently Lea teased (the heterosexual) Mary Ann throughout the show... much to the delight of the audience!"

Ain't that good

Larry Brill | ny ny | 10/14/2008

(2 out of 5 stars)

"love the Broadway CD. love Double Standards. But i dont get this CD...pretty bad sound, bad editing, and the main problem (for me) is Lea herself. i like Lea. have every CD. go see her when she's performing in clubs and on stage (adam & steve etc)...but this Smoke session just doesnt cut it. Ain't that good. we've (i & my wife) played it a few times now, and it dont get better. i bought the album without giving it a listen. hey i thought, it's a Lea. IT AIN'T!!!"