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If
there are, broadly speaking, two types of jazz singer (the Ella Fitzgeralds/Stacey
Kents, who prioritise the song rather than their emotions
concerning it, and the Billie Holidays/Madeleine Peyroux, who basically
do the opposite), then South African vocalist Alison Dewar, courtesy of
her crystal-clear diction and unfussily straightforward approach to a lyric,
is firmly in the former camp.
On this introductory EP, she is backed by a sparky but discreet band led by the impeccable pianist/arranger Graham Harvey, on a intelligently selected programme of standards (neat versions of Softly, as in a Morning Sunrise, Too Close for Comfort and Star Eyes), a pleasingly languorous bossa nova (O Barquino) and (a highlight) an absorbing visit to Horace Silver's Peace, the long-held notes of which particularly suit her unaffected delivery.
An ear-catching sampler, Introducing will be followed by a debut CD release in early 2007.
See also
Alison
Dewar Natural