Acclaimed artists Caroline Cotter, Idina Menzel and Julie Christensen are back with essential new albums.
Title: Gently as I Go (Independent)
You might like if you enjoy: Joni Mitchell, Eva Cassidy, Natalie Merchant, Carol Martini
Tell me more: On her newly released album Gently as I Go, Maine-based folk singer Caroline Cotter showcases a lovely soprano heard on a range of introspective and heartfelt originals. The album opener "Coming Your Way" is a beautiful introduction where Cotter's lyrics and vocal yearning paint a picture of two soulmates who share a powerful bond and how no distance can keep them apart. On "The Year Of the Wrecking Ball," there is a deep sense of melancholy to be sure about the ghosts of childhood and the painful loss of the comfort we find in family: "Inside the bedroom I hear her still on the phone / 33 years of pleading God, please don't leave me alone." The album's first single, "Don't Wait," is a song of encouragement pushing listeners to seize the day; indeed the song's strong call includes the admonition to: "Don't wait for the sun to rise to get out of bed / Don't wait for money to get ahead / Don't wait for praise to feel proud and strong / Don't wait for the true love to feel you belong." Other bewitching tracks on the outstanding independent album include the sweeping "The Call" (written for her 104 year old grandfather's funeral), the heartbreaking "Gently As I Go" that explores a doomed relationship and hopeful album closer "Morning Mantra." The music on Cotter's third album is artfully sparse, with gentle instrumentation adding mood to her poignant and beautiful songs that capture love, loss, hope and the most powerful experiences and emotions that shape our lives. Information: carolinecotter.com.
Title: Drama Queen (BMG)
You might like if you enjoy: Cheryl Lynn, Cher, ABBA
Tell me more: Acclaimed singer-songwriter and Tony Award-winning performer Idina Menzel conjures up the groundbreaking dance music of the late 1970s and early '80s on her aptly-titled Drama Queen. The album is a true departure from her six past albums, but the aptly-dubbed "Queen of Broadway" brings bona fide vocal firepower and joy to the collection of dance floor-minded anthems on the nine-track album. The lead track "Move" immediately immerses the listener into an infectious disco moodscape, the driving beat catapulting the song forward with every beat. The contemporary R&B track "Beast," ABBA-styled gem "Dramatic," soulful "Paradise" (the latter featuring guest vocals and cool guitar work from Nile Rodgers), funky "Make Me Hate Me" and soaring "Funny Kind of Lonely" further expand Menzel's reach across the outstanding album. In addition to Menzel's talents as a great vocalist and songwriter, a slew of global hitmakers (including the aforementioned Rodgers as well as Jake Shears, Eren Cannata, Simon Wilcox, Lindy Robbins, Michelle Zarlenga and others) bring their skills to elevate the ambitious project. While so much music today is focused on the dangers of romance, self doubt and turmoil across a divided planet, there is something to be said for a stellar collection of songs geared toward escape and the lure of the dance floor. Information: Website idinamenzel.com.
Title: The Price We Pay for Love (Wirebird Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Joni Mitchell, Lucinda Williams, Rachael Yamagata
Tell me more: Julie Christensen's latest full-length album The Price We Pay for Love features the New Mexico-based artist teaming up with bassist and string arranger Terry Lee Burns for an album of genuinely moving tracks that flawlessly blend Americana, jazz, blues and singer-songwriter stylings. Delivering a mix of self-penned tracks and original arrangements of material written by other artists, Christensen's emotive vocals shine across the 10-track disc. A mesmerizing 7-minute take on Joni Mitchell's "Hejira" opens the album, with Burns' majestic bass playing bringing a lofty creativity to the musical reading. Christensen brings palpable emotion and forcefulness to the acoustic Michael Moss-penned "Goldbridge Road" as well as the Jimmy Webb classic "The Moon is a Harsh Mistress," the latter enhanced by John Funkhouser's touch on the piano. Other highlights on the wonderful The Price We Pay for Love include the tender original "How He Lost Her," plaintive version of Steve Winwood's "Can't Find My Way Home" and sorrowful closer "Hilltop." Information: Website stonecupid.com or Facebook.com/Juliechristensenmusic.
Robert Kinsler
