Search - Rene Marie :: Vertigo

Great, versatile talent

umze | Seattle, WA | 06/04/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Rene Marie is a formidable talent. The arrangements here are fresh and surprising. Her range is impressive. "Surrey with the Fringe" is remarkably soft and even sultry. She puts a bold twist on standards, and delivers powerful vocals on her own material. An outstanding cd."

Vertigo is Hot !

umze | 09/21/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Rene Marie's new cd Vertigo is a really interesting look at one of today's most exciting jazz vocalist. Rene's mix of standars and original compositions reflect a daring and passion for storytelling that is hard to ignore. Dixie/Strangefruit will grab your heart and mind without asking your permission first. Her gospel-like solo intro of Dixie that then segues into Strangefruit leaves the listener absolutely nowhere to hide. Vertigo, written by Rene, is a rocket ride that we don't get too often from today's jazz vocalists. This song is about the dioriented feeling of falling in love. If love is like this, sign me up! Rene pushes herself on this song like a woman possesed, and the band is right there with her. Don't Look At Me, another Rene Marie original, explores love at the edge of forbidden hesitation.... a little intrigue, please. Rene took chances on this cd. Rather than wrap every song in the standard jazz quartet or quintet sound, she gives some of the songs a refreshing vocal/instrument pairing. It's Alright With Me, accompanied by bass clarinet and acoustic bass, gives this story a dark and compelling delivery. Rene's sultry voice takes the listener right to that secret place, you know the one! The songs on Vertigo are not just about jazz chops and stuff, but, this is a collection of life experiences sung with an intent to take the listener on an excursion through the nooks and crannies of their own knowing. This is where you arrive when you've done some living and some... loving. Rene Marie is HOT !!!! Vertigo is HOT !!!"

Vertigo will make your ears smile

Kenneth Hugh Burton | ATLANTA, GA United States | 09/25/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Vertigo, Rene' Marie's second album on the MaxxJazz label is a necessary addition to the collection of all jazz lovers. The CD features 11 songs. Tracks 1 thru 10 are Rene's arrangements. On track 11 Rene share arrangement credits with Burch Barth, the albums producer. Again, as on her previous album, Rene showcases her song writing talent with track # 3 "I'd Rather Talk About You"; (a blues tune), # 4 "Don't Look At Me Like That"; (hard to describe, but very light and playful, with some curious conversation in the background), and the title track # 7 "Vertigo". Rene' displays a wit and sophistication in her lyrics, and music, on a canvas of masterful arrangements. "Vertigo", the longest track on the album is a straight-ahead jazz piece that features bass, percussion, and drums at the beginning. The tenor sax is overlaid, and set in call and response with the piano. This piece more than any other showcases the extraordinary talent of the musicians (Rene's vocal musicianship included) on this CD. Mulgrew Miller on piano, and Jeffery Haynes on percussion, are the only returning personnel from "How Can I Keep From Singing?". On track #1 "Them There Eyes", Rene utilizes Robert Hurse on bass and Jeff "Tain"Watts on drums, and features the scat of Rene. Track # 2 is probably the most cheerful song I've heard in years, Rogers & Hammersteins "Surrey With The Fringe On Top". On this song Rene' slows it down and swings with it. Also of note is Track # 6, the Cole Porter tune "It's All Right With Me" which features Hurse on Bass and Chris Potter on bass clarinet along with Rene' Marie on vocals. And then there's the medley "Dixie/Strange Fruit". Who would have thought to pair up these two emotionally intense songs but Rene' Marie. All in all, the song writing, selection of material, and arrangements makes me glad I have my ear towards this artist, and thankful Rene' has shared her love for the art of jazz. Just listen. Your ears will be smiling too."