Long known for her country-blues, the female half of Delaney and Bonnie is, underneath it all, a jazz singer. That's readily apparent on this collection of originals and covers ("Cry Me a River," "Hurt"), most of which car... more »ry the theme of strength through vulnerability. Whether performing R&B or jazzier pieces, Bramlett, like the late Rosemary Clooney, has a way of living a lyric and making even the most familiar sound new, personal, and fraught with meaning. "Superstar," which she cowrote years ago with then-husband Delaney Bramlett and Leon Russell, finally gets the tragic female reading that's missing in Karen Carpenter's rendition. But she also uses her voice as one of the instruments in her big-band accompaniment. On "No Man's Land" and "Made a Believer Out of Me," especially, she can go from a small, Billie Holliday-like whimper to a wail so brassy you'd think she's playing a horn. With so many manufactured stars relying on Pro Tools audio technology for pitch and drum loops to stir the blood, this is real music from a real woman, brimming with pain, passion, and, yes, deep soul. --Alanna Nash« less
Long known for her country-blues, the female half of Delaney and Bonnie is, underneath it all, a jazz singer. That's readily apparent on this collection of originals and covers ("Cry Me a River," "Hurt"), most of which carry the theme of strength through vulnerability. Whether performing R&B or jazzier pieces, Bramlett, like the late Rosemary Clooney, has a way of living a lyric and making even the most familiar sound new, personal, and fraught with meaning. "Superstar," which she cowrote years ago with then-husband Delaney Bramlett and Leon Russell, finally gets the tragic female reading that's missing in Karen Carpenter's rendition. But she also uses her voice as one of the instruments in her big-band accompaniment. On "No Man's Land" and "Made a Believer Out of Me," especially, she can go from a small, Billie Holliday-like whimper to a wail so brassy you'd think she's playing a horn. With so many manufactured stars relying on Pro Tools audio technology for pitch and drum loops to stir the blood, this is real music from a real woman, brimming with pain, passion, and, yes, deep soul. --Alanna Nash
CD Reviews
Stunning!
Lee Armstrong | Winterville, NC United States | 08/13/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Bonnie Bramlett's "I'm Still the Same" is a stunning piece of work. The joy of singing and performance shines through every track. 3 tracks here come into my CLASSIC category, which makes this a 5-star essential listening set. Bonnie's self-penned "What If" is thoroughly addicting with Jason Webb's pumping piano keyboards giving a pulse and Bonnie's vocals sounding like a cousin to a tango, "Love keeps on reaching, faith keeps on pullin', Hope keeps demandin' I leave no man's land." Obviously not a news flash, "Superstar" written by Bonnie with Delaney Bramlett & Leon Russell is one of the most haunting melodies penned. Bonnie does not re-do this like some aging star trying to milk mileage out of her big hit, but totally embus the track with a worldly wisdom filled with longing, regret and even a chuckle. Wow! You don't want to miss this recording. The third classic track is the playful jazz workout Bonnie penned with Luke Reed, "Sure Sign of Something," "Now I ain't no doctor of psychology, and it don't make no difference 'cause it's plain to see, you've got somethin' goin' on you're tryin' to justify; you keep lookin' in the mirror tryin' to find somebody else." This & Sloan Wainwright's "From Where You Are" are two of the new great classic songs I've heard recently. On the familiar covers, Bonnie holds her own. Her "Cry Me A River" is different from Joe Cocker and as good as the dear Ella Fitzgerald and even my fave Joan Baez. Patsy Cline's signature song that even Petula Clark recorded on her "Downtown" LP sounds great as Bonnie hits all the right emotions on "You Belong to Me." Although Timi Yuro's 1961 hit version of "Hurt" has long been a favorite, Bonnie so remakes and adopts it that I had to focus and think whether it was the same tune! It's excellent. Bonnie's first credit in the liner notes is to thank God and her savior Jesus Christ; and it's obviously that she's attuned to a great source of joy & creativity. This is one disc you'll want to seek out. Wow! Totally WOW!"
Even better
Lee Armstrong | 09/03/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)
"It's been more than 20 years since Bonnie Bramlett's last release, so I really wondered whether her new CD, "I'm Still the Same," could possibly live up to its title. I'm happy to report that in every important way Bonnie Bramlett IS still the same. Her voice has retained all of its power, range and color, and she remains one of the most soulful and intelligent singers around.What has changed in the intervening years -- and not for the better -- is the quality of pop/r&b singing, where pyrotechnics are now valued over genuine emotion. With "Hurt," the first cut on the CD, Bonnie throws down the gauntlet for the current generation of vocalists. "Hurt" was originally a hit for another wonderful singer, Timi Yuro, back in 1961 (it reached #4, its highest position on the Billboard chart, on 9/11/61). Bonnie's reading of the song is full of restrained emotion that builds to a wailing glissando that will send chills up your spine.Another highlight of the CD is a new take on "Superstar." I loved Bonnie's original recording, and was curious how she would approach this material more than 30 years later. The original was a straightforward, almost innocent ballad sung by a groupie who was loved and left behind. The new recording is a torch song sung by the same woman, 30 years older but still not over that one-night stand that made her feel so special. You hear every lost year in her repeated pleas of "don't you remember?".I passed on the album Bonnie recorded several years ago with a Christian label, but if the material is anything like "Made a Believer Out of Me," I'll have to track it down. This is a big band gospel swing tune that will have you dancing in your kitchen. It's absolutely infectious, and the religion is ladled out with a blessedly light hand.I share another reviewer's quibble about some of the arrangements, which really work against Bonnie's sincere interpretation of the material. I could have done with out the cliched lonesome harmonica and Kenny G-like solos; I hope Bonnie loses them on her next outing. Fortunately, the vocals were compelling enough to get me through these moments."
Bonnie belts 'em out!
Mitchell Lopate | Silverdale, WA | 02/18/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"The title song's claim aside (and don't you believe it for a minute--she has reached a new level of powerful emotive feeling, sensitive display, and dynamic assertiveness), this is an entirely new side of Bonnie: a radiant, confident diva with vision, strength, and pride. Embracing a jazz-like arrangement and autobiographical majesty as her theme, Bonnie takes her place in the sacred company of Ella, Judy, and Billie. Las Vegas and Carnegie Hall, are you listening? One limo, please, and two dozen roses, of course. Who says things don't get better as we get older?"
Bonnie is Back
discs4u | Santa Rosa, CA United States | 07/12/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)
"It's been many years since Ms. Bramlett has done any solo recordings..but she is definitely back. The voice that powered Delany & Bonnie has recorded a diverse set of songs ranging from old standards like "Hurt" and "You Belong to Me" to a remake of "Superstar" which Bonnie did on a previous album. Anyone who was a fan of Delaney & Bonnie and Bonnie's previous solo outings are definitely going to enjoy this recording...hopefully with many more CD's to come."
A Welcome Return!
Patrick M. Hnidka | Munhall, PA | 08/05/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"After a 20 year absence from the music scene, Bonnie Bramlett finally makes a welcome return!"I'm Still The Same" shows Bonnie taking control of the latest chapter in her musical journey, by co-writing 8 tracks and co-producing the entire album with various other collaborators. She also covers three standards, "Hurt", "You Belong To Me", and "Cry Me A River", along with a new powerful, smoldering version of her own co-written standard, "Superstar". Bonnie's vocals seem as strong as ever, though tempered with the sensitivity that comes with age. Check out the soulful title track to hear Bonnie's lung-busting power still in evidence.Every track is excellent, though the standout for me, is the new version of "Superstar". Though recorded by many artists over the years, this version may stand as definitive: it is the groupie 20 years later, grown up, and still questioning "don't you remember?" -- knowing all too well the answer... It is a performance guaranteed to bring chills.I can only hope this will be the first of many new recordings to come from Bonnie!"
Track Listings (11) - Disc #1