Search - Irene Kral :: Where Is Love?

Outside of Time

H. Kennedy | 09/14/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Like very, very few albums, Kind of Blue among them, Where is Love? exists on a separate plane. It is so devoid of sentimentality and filled with purity of tone and authentic emotion that it's difficult to imagine it not enduring as long as music is listened to, and at the same time difficult to listen to without tears welling up in your eyes. I was introduced to Irene Kral years ago, when a great friend and a world-class jazz fan played a vinyl copy of Love Came on Stealthy Fingers from this album. Nearly 15 years later, I still remember the impression it made on my heart, not to mention a story this friend told about his pianist father and Irene setting up for a gig in Florida, and the manager pissing off Irene with a condescending song request that unleashed a string of curses from her (and ended the gig before it had begun). Alan Broadbent gets less attention in discussions of this album, perhaps because he didn't die so tragically young, but he is as much a part of this recording as Bill Evans is a pillar of Kind of Blue. One of the most delicious things about this recording, though it's unfair to be elitist, is that so few people even know Irene or this album. That and Irene's impending death at the time of its conception put it in a place of its own as one of music's perfect achievements."

Discover Something Special

ArrivederciBaby | Los Angeles | 06/28/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

""This is meant to be heard only during that quiet time of the day, preferably with someone you love, when you can sink into your favorite chair, close your eyes, and let in no outside thoughts to detract." So says Irene Kral in the liner notes to this 1975 jewel. After a decade away from recording, and fighting advancing breast cancer, the veteran band singer clearly knew what she wanted to achieve with this recording, and the result is a seemless synthesis of singer, song choice, arrangement and accompaniment - moving, introspective, and as smooth as honey - that propelled Kral back into the upper ranks of American vocalists. She would lose her cancer battle only three years later, at the age of 46, having released two more acclaimed, Grammy-nominated albums ("Kral Space" and "The Gentle Rain"). As great as those final recordings are, "Where Is Love?", arguably Irene Kral's supreme achievement, is absolutely not to be missed."

Where is Love? Right Here

Megon McDonough | Chicago, IL | 08/17/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"While living in NY in the 1980's I was blessed to work with some terrific musicians on some music for television and even in some folk clubs in the village. While working on some jingles, a pianist friend of mine loaned me a copy of Where is Love by Irene Kral and Alan Broadbent. I fell in love with that record and played it every day for months. It became my religion, and my meditation.

Irene Kral was one of the finest vocalist's I have ever had the pleasure to hear. She has taught me more about singing, and made me a better singer than years of conservatory could have - I truly believe that. I couldn't get enough of her style and phrasing and warmth. And there is simply not enough room here to express my love for Alan Broadbent's playing. Pas de Duex - that's how they worked.

This is a flawless record, simply flawless. I wish I could have heard her live. And that is the blessings of recorded music. The intimacy and love she sings with will fill your heart and make you a believer too.



Peace and Music,

Megon McDonough"