Serious & honest, refreshing & real
tompan | CARLSBAD, CA United States | 05/09/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Between Yesterday and Tomorrow -- tells it all.
This is the long awaited release of Ute's album of her own original songs. Her stream-of-conscious songwriting style does not hamper or hinder her in any way. With her first self-penned songs appearing on But One Day and having heard some of these in concert a few years ago, the album is still a delight and well crafted, though not entirely accessible on a first listen.
What Ute has crafted, as a whole, is a journey through some events of recent history, comparisons and lessons between, and recognizing possibilities that still exist. Holding it all together is an invitation to the listener to come along, journey together and come out tomorrow with a better understanding. Unlike many others of her genre, Ute Lemper really has something to say... and it's in her own voice.
Musically and melodically she doesn't drown in the seriousness of it all but manages to stay within her roots of cabaret, showbiz, sophisticated jazz, lite pop and high art. The arrangements with her band are tight and lushly orchestrated very appropriately. She has been a good student of Brecht-Weil, etc. and learned well.
Opening with a light upbeat pop song, Ute invites the listener with The Greatest Ride. Second is Stranger Friend with the melody taken from the vamp of her moon medley on the Blood & Feathers live album. All is forgiven because this is the hand held out to the listener with "let us just live in this moment and take it against all odds". The full Blood and Feathers song here goes deeper into questions and answers that are already at hand. Whether the great horn taps of Luna or the sophistication of Here is Love, Ute keeps the listener close by.
The album revolves around Ghosts of Berlin, about the Berlin Wall... but it culminates with September Mourn, about 9/11. What is the comparison? The faces on the wall, the names of the thousands. Inbetween are Nomad about the same song Jews and Muslims sing in Jerusalem, and Nevada about a nuclear holocast that can still be a threat.
So ever-refreshing, entertaining and thought provoking, this great diva could have continued interpreting others' songs but chose instead to have her own voice and state her own thoughts. At the same time all those little ditties from the 1930's she's been singing, were also pointed commentaries on world events in the realm of pop music of the day--history hasn't changed but it still can."
Absolutely a must have
Ilovemusic | Spain | 05/10/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The other reviwer has explained perfectly what this record is all about. I can only describe it as GORGEOUS. She has a tremendous and personal voice implemented by magnificient lyrics and arrangements. I love Ute's voice.
Cheers"
