Weaving the genres
Lakeside Listener | Clear Lake, CA USA | 08/17/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"A fine mix of jazz and.. other genres. Modern abstract, a bit of pop,some Reggae, lounge, torch, even a genuinely new take on Gershwin's Summertime. Very "together" small-group jazz+[name another genre]. Like Norah Jones or Madelyn Peyroux, she takes what she likes from just about anywhere. Must be a trend, this mixing of genres, but whoever said mixing the best of this with very good that couldn't produce fine music? The spare production helps here by letting the mix of musical shapes stand out instead of drowning in overproduced strings, horns and general excess. She doesn't have to work hard to overcome the production (the feeling one might sometimes get from, for example, Dinah Washington) so she can just let her voice roam around the arrangements, using her interpretive skills to weave a kind of effortless magic. Oddly, maybe, her delivery and choice of material at times reminds me of Julie London, whose interpretive skills were underrated by the critics of her day. But Mollie Johnson is definitely her own artist, independent, mischievous, subtle. Great fireside music, or put on a headset and shut your eyes. She'll captivate you. A fine album."
Very enjoyable music
Stephen Kaczkowski | Calgary, Alberta Canada | 06/13/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"My wife and I listened to the album last night while talking and having drinks and we found the music to be wonderful for a quiet evening at home. We knew we enjoyed Molly's voice but we also enjoyed the music as well. I certainly recommend the album to anyone who is looking for an upbeat and enjoyable listen for a quietly fun evening."
Gorgeous voice over smooth tracks...get this now!
R. Bates | 09/12/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I was in Paris, dining with a wonderful friend at a quaint little restaurant on the Ile de St. Louis when I heard this voice...incredible, strong, authentic...singing Miss Celie's Blues so well, I thought I was listening to the soundtrack from the Color Purple.
The songs that followed were so lovely and enchanting, I was compelled to ask the host what was playing. He showed me the CD and as soon as I left the restaurant, I headed straight to the record store to purchase it.
The music is perfect background for dinner with friends or as an upbeat mood setter with a significant other. Buy it! You won't be sorry!"