Music Reviews

Supplied by Third Age New Zealand magazine for GrownUps.

Katie Melua

Style: If you were to combine the angelic voice of Eva Cassidy; the soulful tones of Dianna Krall and the controlled strength of Shania Twain you would still fall short of this artist's ability.

Comments: A 21-year-old whose first album was recorded in 2003, taking Europe piece by piece, Katie Melua has the most sensational voice. It is warm of quality, pure and innocent in its intent and quite simply the best jazz/blues voice I have heard for a long time, if not ever. If you are fortunate enough to spot the first album with the 70-minute DVD included free, grab it. You'll be able to see and enjoy her hypnotic eyes and remarkable stage presence (especially for such a young woman) for yourself. Highest recommendation.

The Tuxedo Swing Orchestra

Style: The swing era of the 1920s and 30s big band orchestras with male and female vocalists.

Comments: Auckland City is home to many experienced musicians indeed and it is fair to say that it appears to have a monopoly on those musicians playing sophisticated orchestra music, especially in a large ensemble such as The Tuxedo Swing Orchestra. Previously known as The 32 Jazz Band, this 14-piece orchestra is the country's foremost exponent of the Big Band sound. The album is sophisticated, dedicated, polished, well produced and provides a vehicle for all the members to showcase their talented abilities, especially the vocalists and tenor sax/clarinet player Norm Morrison. While you can't purchase this album from normal record outlets, try logging onto www.11degrees.com where you can order online as well as sample some of the songs. Very good indeed.

UB40

Style: Think Jamaica, think Fresh-up advertisement, think rhythm, think happiness and think soft reggae. UB40 are the style masters and deservedly so.

Comments: Don't overlook this album. Over recent weeks when we've had people over for dinner on the deck we've been playing this over and over. It's infectious and happy, it has a soft reggae feel and it's got clean measured upbeat rhythms. An extremely pleasant album, it's one that contributes to keeping the evening and conversation vibrant and flowing. Hearing it in this laid-back context I found "Who You Fighting For?" to be even better than I expected.

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