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| Carol Fredette Upcoming Appearances + CD Release at Iridium Carol Fredette Upcoming Appearances + CD Release at Iridium Tuesday, July 1st.(1650 Broadway (51st Street), New York, NY 10019). Carol's latest CD: No Sad Songs For Me on Soundbrush Records JazzTimes, April 2014 By Christopher Loudon To find a theme for her latest album, veteran vocalist Carol Fredette needed only to look at her living room wall. There hangs a poster for the 1950 film No Sad Songs for Me starring Margaret Sullavan. Fredette and Sullavan seem kindred spirits: exceptionally gifted artists, masters of subtlety who remain vastly under appreciated. Sullavan staunchly refused to be victimized. Indeed, she became infamous in Hollywood as the only actor able to intimidate tyrannical MGM pasha Louis B. Mayer. Across more than four decades, Fredette has sung her fair share of torch songs about romantic victims. No more, she decided. With David Finck, in his third session as her producer and bassist (and first as arranger), she chose 14 tunes that offer more empowered and optimistic views of life and love.At this point in her career, Fredette suggests a potent blend of Elaine Stritch's gin-soaked sophistication and Diana Krall's smoky warmth. In other words, she exudes style and substance. Backed by a Finck anchored sextet, she travels from a sizzling samba treatment of Cole Porter's "I Am in Love" to the breezy adieu of "No Regrets." Though her plucky playlist includes chestnuts both familiar and rare, the standout is the Finck-penned title track, a delightful survivalist anthem. "Vocal jazz at the highest level of execution requires a combination of musicality, timing, phrasing, creativity and intelligence. Carol Fredette has an abundance of these ingredients, and all they all shine through on No Sad Songs for Me." -Joe Lang, Jersey Jazz "Fredette's delivery is refreshingly direct and expressive throughout; her warm alto conveys the wit and calm of the fully-formed grown-up who knows whereof she sings. The music on No Sad Songs for Me will delight anyone who appreciates vocal jazz at it's highest level and in it's most conducive setting." -Dr. Judith Schlesinger, All About Jazz "Witty, conversational and swinging, devoid of self-indulgent gymnastics and high on interpretive insight. Salty and smart, Carol Fredette hits you between the eyes, but also reaches your heart." Grady Harp-Amazon.com write your comments about the article :: © 2014 Jazz News :: home page |