Search - Natalia Zukerman :: Only One

My favorite Natalia Zukerman CD

M. Senn | Miami, FL | 01/11/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I admire Natalia Zukerman's guitarwork and songwriting ability, and own her 2 prior albums which were both excellent. However, of her 3 albums so far, Only One is my favorite. If you're not familiar with this artist, she's a singer-songwriter who works mostly in the Jazz & Blues genres (with an occasional nod to Folk, Bluegrass and Pop). Her songs tend to be complex and poetry-like without a chorus-and-verse structure.



Her previous CDs, especially On A Clear Day, were multilayered and rich, with a variety of instruments on each song. Because her lyrics are not "sing-along" catchy, I felt that the vocals and even her splendid guitar play were overwhelmed by the other instruments. As a result, I invariably have to read along with the printed lyrics to understand what she's singing about.



Not so with this album, which is just Natalia and her guitar (no other instruments). The album was recorded in "one take" so it sounds like a live performance. Her singing and vocals really shine thru here. So although Only One (unlike her previous albums) does not include the printed lyrics, it's actually easier to understand what she's singing about. Highlights include the songs Haunted House, Only One, Bones, Loved Like That.



If you like complex, multilayered, intricate instrumentation, check out her other album On A Clear Day. But if, like me, you like simple, clean live performances with strong vocals, then this is the CD for you."