CD Review: Audrey Silver, "Oklahoma"

"Oklahoma" has always been one of my favorite musicals and it Jazz Vocalist and Song Writer, Audrey Silver also has a deep love for this classic American musical.  Therefore her lastest CD release, "Oklahoma" is a special present for me and my readers.   Silver's "Oklahoma" is her fifth CD as leader. Audrey Silver studies every lyric in the same way an anthropologist studies newly discovered ancient bones.  She wants to get the full understanding of what the lyricists are saying.  As you listen to the two songs from this CD that I have attached, I think you will agree with me.

Audrey Silver is a professional Jazz Vocalist in everyway!  She is always looking for great music and lyrics that put forth a story and then she performs these songs by adding her own Jazz interpretations.  When you combine with Silver's ability to sing with her clear, creamy voice, the results are always spectacular.  She brings are own special phrasing to each familar song that causes a rebirth of pleasure for listeners young and old.

I want you to read a quote from Christopher London which was published in the JazzTimes, "If a name ever fit a performer, it is Silver's, for her voice is like pure sterling.  Her phrasing is exquisite, her clarity and enunciation on par with the great Jo Stafford and her breath control-a talent so often, and so wrongfully, overlooked-rivals Sinatra's".   London's quote is exactly how I feel about Audrey Silver.

                                                             "Oh What A Beautiful Day"

                                                                     "Out Of My Dreams"
PLAYERS:

Audrey Silver- Vocals, Native American Flute, Producer

Bruce Barth- Piano, Arrangements

Peter Bernstein- Guitar

Adam Kolker- Alto Flute, Bass Clarinet

Kahlil Kwame Bell- Percussion

Sarah Zun- Violin

Adda Kridler- Violin

Kaya Bryla-Viola

Maria Jeffers- Cello 

All songs by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein 

PLAYLIST:

1. Oklahoma

2. Many a New Day

3. Oh What a Beautiful Mornin

4. I Cain't Say No

5. The Surrey With the Fringe on Top

6. Out of My Dreams

7. People Will Say We're in Love

8. Kansas City

9. Boys and Girls Like You and Me

10. Oklahoma (Reprise)