Carmen Lundy has that rare combination of qualities found in great jazz singers: imagination, a superb sense of swing phrasing and improvisation, a broad vocal range with powerful lungs, and a sure grasp of jazz tradition.... more » This Is ... features not only Lundy's voice, but also her songwriting, another of her talents. While her lyrics are not always as clever as her music, with its challenging turnarounds and charged interplay, Lundy's baring of her life experiences makes This Is ... a record you can sink your ears into. Her band, including brother Curtis Lundy on bass, drummer Ralph Peterson, pianist Anthony Wonsey, and saxophonists Mark Shim and Bobby Watson, can sometimes sound tentative and they are ill-supported by a diaphanous mix. But Carmen and her songs are the stars. Several tunes ("This Is the End of a Love Affair," "Now That He's Gone," "Send Me Somebody to Love") sound like standards, so winsome are their melodies and arrangements. Best of all, Lundy sounds like she is having a ball, even when the band misses a cue. This Is Carmen Lundy is a solid album, a promising foretaste of things to come. Heaven is 'round the corner for this multithreat talent. --Ken Micallef« less
Carmen Lundy has that rare combination of qualities found in great jazz singers: imagination, a superb sense of swing phrasing and improvisation, a broad vocal range with powerful lungs, and a sure grasp of jazz tradition. This Is ... features not only Lundy's voice, but also her songwriting, another of her talents. While her lyrics are not always as clever as her music, with its challenging turnarounds and charged interplay, Lundy's baring of her life experiences makes This Is ... a record you can sink your ears into. Her band, including brother Curtis Lundy on bass, drummer Ralph Peterson, pianist Anthony Wonsey, and saxophonists Mark Shim and Bobby Watson, can sometimes sound tentative and they are ill-supported by a diaphanous mix. But Carmen and her songs are the stars. Several tunes ("This Is the End of a Love Affair," "Now That He's Gone," "Send Me Somebody to Love") sound like standards, so winsome are their melodies and arrangements. Best of all, Lundy sounds like she is having a ball, even when the band misses a cue. This Is Carmen Lundy is a solid album, a promising foretaste of things to come. Heaven is 'round the corner for this multithreat talent. --Ken Micallef
"I won tickets to see ANY show at the Triple Door I wanted, and I checked the calander and picked Carmen Lundy. Even though I'd never HEARD of her before, I saw her picture and she BEAMED like a Divining Rod! So I went and was blown to itsy-bits! ;) Ms. Lundy's Presence IS like a power-source of some delicious kind! Yet she goes deeeep and YOU FEEL HER...then she Delivers you gently Home. Home-Sweet-Home. Right this moment I'm listening to this CD...this delicacy of confection...and I AM G.L.A.D. ...So Glad.
Wow.
Thank You Ms. Carmen Lundy. Thank the Stars for you.
"I first heard this lady in a compilation album called "women of jazz" her featured song was "you're not in love" from the old devil moon (another great album) ever since then I have collected everything there is to collect from her. This album though, stands out, the first track is so upbeat that it immediately makes me happy no-matter how sad I am. The rest of the album is brilliant I never skip any song...but the one most outstanding piece of work here is the vocal arrangement on "better luck next time" wow!!! what can I say this women is trully a legend."
This is really is Carmen Lundy in all her glory!
Gminzie | Manchester, Lancs United Kingdom | 10/29/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"After having my ears bashed constantly by the rather inane off key ramblings of smooth jazz radios latest over hyped jazz talent (I wont mention any names but it just aint 'wonderful'). It was with great anticipation, that I waited for the postman to bring me Carmen Lundy's latest tour de force. I was knocked away by the title track as it just kinda hits you in the face with it's power but oh so subtle rhythms provided by some new jazz players. Ms Lundy for the next 54 minutes made my spine tingle with her delightful singing, hitting the peaks and getting down real low, it has passion and a delivery that is lacking in many a so called jazz vocal album of today. One keeps thinking I've heard this or that track before, so Ms Lundy creates standards for us (I can see many of todays jazz greats lining up to record the title track), all I can say is keep writing your songs lady. As for the players on the album scorching, red hot, kicking up a storm on some and yet adept at being able to portray Carmens feeling in their playing ( by the way I am still trying to find the missed note!). A superb album that is probably her best so far, it won't make No.1 in the billboard charts it'd be a much better world if it ever did make it! No, I will continue to purchase her music if Ms Lundy keeps producing, music as beautiful and uplifting as this. It's the best JAZZ vocal album of the year, in fact of the past 5 years at least, an absolute gem."
Great Talent
John P. Campbell | Arkansas, USA | 10/09/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Ms. Lundy is a fabulous singer/songwriter. On this album she covers subjects as diverse as lost love, religion, and the joys of great sex. I recently saw her perform in New York and her live performance was amazing. Along with her talented brother Curtis, the musicians on this album are first rate. This is a great work of modern jazz by an overlooked artist. Pick this one up, you won't be disappointed."
Pure pleasure
Beverly Praiswater | 04/04/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Carmen Lundy is one of the finest jazz singers of our time. One listen to this CD and you will discover the various moods and shadings inside her vocals.
Carmen's vocal encircles perfectly on All Day, All Night. This song swings with a wondrous arrangement that is upbeat and rich with brass. Carmen's vocal timing is perfect on This Is The End Of The Love Affair. There are earthy depths to explore in Carmen's Now That He's Gone. A most unique vocal arrangement, Better Luck Next Time will blow the top of your head off. It's hot! Send Me Somebody has a slinky, easy feel. For over 10 minutes, In Living Color is the kind of song that builds into a fantastic pleasure. The lyrics are brilliant. Carmen is loose and running freely on this vocal. Is It Love is a velvety ballad. Nothing can compare to One More River To Cross. This is a masterpiece. Seventh Heaven is a wonderful tribute song that builds and burns up the tracks. The musical arrangements are sophisticated, mature and stylized due to Carmen's arrangments and her brother Curtis' productions.
There is no one alive today who can compare to the rare quality of Carmen's talent. The songs are all originally written and arranged by Carmen. Each song is uniquely stylized in a fashion that is completely satisfying, yet you will find yourself craving it consistently. Experience this CD--you'll love it!
If you already love Carmen as much as me, check out her new concert dvd Live at the Madrid!!! And sample her live concert footage on You Tube."