Search - Wendy Woo :: Wide Awake & Dreaming

Jazzy Woo

04/28/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Woo is such an eclectic songwriter and stylist that each of her albums is different. This one was done at the height of her jazz period. Has some classic Woo songs, such as "Sundrops" (calypso funk, I'd call it), "Ghost" and "Fade to Gray" (Sade-style grooves), and "Painting Your Picture" (almost a Bossa Nova lullaby).If you are a fan of smooth jazz, there are some gems here. In terms of songwriting, this album rates five stars. Someday there will be a "Best of Woo" album and I'd bet it will hold its own against Carole King's "Tapestry."The only reason I haven't give the album an overall five star rating is that I want more Woo vocals and less Woo band. Woo is one of the best live performers in the country and her most recent album, "Walking the Skyline," was produced to capture that energy. So that might be the best CD to get as a first purchase. But many of her fans also love "Wide Awake and Dreaming." Here's what a Denver Post reviewer said when it came out: " ... a new album showcases Woo's considerable strengths as a songwriter, singer and bandleader. 'Wide Awake and Dreaming' (Sky Trail), out this month, bristles with poignant, appealing songs performed in a hip-shaking folk style that suggests Natalie Merchant crossed with Sade.""