Search - Paula West :: Come What May

One of my favorite singers

sfdee | San Francisco, CA United States | 04/17/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I am a great fan of Paula's and go to see her every chance I get. Since I live in the SF Bay area that means I get to see her pretty regularly. I saw the concert where she debuted this album and was just overwhelmed. She was fantastic and I used my last cash to buy the album. I enjoy it more every time I listen to it. I think it is her best (but I really do love her 2 earlier albums as well). Paula doesn't just sing a song, she seems to live it. She is a very expressive singer and a charismatic performer.
I find her choice of material to always be interesting. She has a way of taking songs and making them her own."

Onward Paula.

Jeffrey A. Polack | San Francisco, CA USA | 10/14/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"It was a happy idea to record these popular jazz standards in the soothing voice of Paula West. Her work is charming and yet unassuming, with evidence of growing comfort with both her own voice and those of the masters of song. The American songwriting idiom has long been a staple of many would-be and authentic divas - yet few of them ever dare to go beyond standard formulaic approach to treatment of the music. Paula seems to be interested in collaboration with the great songwriters. Though many of them are long dead, one can imagine them grousing over the standard treatment of their music by most vocalists today - with the exception of singers like Paula. All the problems of translation, in fact recreation, their measure of devotion and meticulous empathy which the songwriters demand through their art, are cleared up by Paula for the general listener who has little conception of them in their context or in the context of today's world. In tranlating the language of the songwriters in accomplished free transposition in sync with today's world, Paula is to be commended for a job well done. Unerrant ear and copious flow of sound! Thank you, Paula. Humility befits the modest muse!"

Ride the rhythmic waves with Paula West !!!

Matthew G. Sherwin | last seen screaming at Amazon customer service | 01/25/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Paula West possesses a natural ability to express emotions through song. Her voice is full, vibrant and passionate; she never sings a superfluous note either. This CD is a fine collection of songs that allows us to enjoy Miss West's talent. The musical arrangements are both creative and very well executed.



The CD begins with a Latin jazz flavored number entitled "Caravan/Night In Tunisia." The simultaneous Middle Eastern tinge adds to the beauty of the melody; and Paula West sings this straight from the heart. Paula sounds so natural you truly believe her performance of this song is as natural as breathing. Excellent!



"The Snake" is the next track; the jazzy melody combines with Paula's voice to produce a stunning number. Ken Muir on piano adds punch to the musical arrangement. "Big Stuff" is a bluesy number written by Leonard Bernstein for Billie Holiday; Paula's cover of this song is sensual and lush. As with many songs on this CD, there are surprising melodic changes that enhance the beauty of this song.



Paula delivers a rendition of "Laura" that is hauntingly beautiful; Ken Muir on piano enriches the musical arrangement. Paula's wide vocal range helps her to perform this with remarkable strength. "Blues In The Night" receives the royal treatment; Paula sings this flawlessly and the extensive musical arrangement stuns you with its creativity and potency.



Other special numbers on this CD include "Lush Life" by Billy Strayhorn; a very perky rendition of "Them There Eyes;" "You Will Be Loved" and "Bye Bye Blackbird" which Paula delivers with effortless grace.



The song stack ends with the classic ballad "I Remember You." This romantic number boasts a melody and vocals by Paula that become instantly memorable.



The liner notes offer small black and white pictures of Paula and the musicians as well as the song credits. There are color photos of Paula, too. Margo Jefferson contributes an extensive essay about Paula.



I highly recommend this CD for fans of Paula West and people who want to become more familiar with this great lady's artistry. Fans of jazz vocalists will also love this album.



ENJOY!!!

"