Search - Karrin Allyson :: Ballads: Remembering John Coltrane

"silky smooth delivery with style thrown in"

J. Lovins | Missouri-USA | 05/25/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Karrin Allyson sings with such feeling, her delivery is silky smooth with so much style thrown in, a perfect blend. What's so interesting about this CD ~ "Ballads: Remembering John Coltrane", is the fact each tune is interpretated with just the right ingredients. Her setting for "SAY IT OVER AND OVER AGAIN", so special ~ "TOO YOUNG TO GO STEADY", lyrics ring true ~ "ALL OR NOTHING AT ALL", an early Sinatra hit during the big band era, just listen to this arrangement and the syncopated rhythm underlay-tempo Karrin gives this one ~ "IT'S EASY TO REMEMBER", with an easy-does-it approach ~ "NANCY (WITH THE LAUGHING FACE)", another beautiful ballad during Sinatra's reign, the piano background is so soothing ~ but the highlight, is the John Coltrane composition "NAIMA", mesmirizing effect has you drifting, drifting into deep unconsciousness, simply saturates each emotion ~ can't say enough about each track, except she gives you the impression you're hearing them for the very first time.Hats off to ~ James Williams (piano), John Patitucci (acoustic bass), Lewis Nash (drums), Bob Berg (tenor sax), James Carter (tenor sax), Steven Wilson (soprano sax) ~ less we not forget Nick Phillips (producer), Glen Barros & John Burk (executive producers), Josiah Gluch (recording/mixing engineer) and Concord Jazz who has been there with Karrin from the very beginning ~ each recording gets better and better, enjoyable memories of Coltrane's career through the eyes of our young talented artist ~ KARRIN ALLYSON!Total Time: 61:44 on 11 Tracks ~ Concord Jazz CCD-4950-2 ~ (2001)"

Over and Over Again

Robert G. Klotz | Lawrence, KS United States | 06/09/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"How could anyone, let alone a coy Midwestern young woman who's transplanted herself in New York, attempt to do the entire "Ballads" album by The John Coltrane Quartet, with tenor players and the tunes all lined up in order (although no A and B sides for us old timers).Quite simply, KARRIN ALLYSON (say it CAR-in, not like Karen), uses the original lyrics Coltrane played (mostly, except on "Nancy", Sinatra's tune about his young daughter, where Karrin looks on as a man adores his little girl) and incredibly, just like Coltrane and Tyner, she and James Williams get right down deep into the EMOTIONAL CORE of these tunes, bringing out nuances referencing Trane, but also ones he could only hint at or make allusions to with his elegantly muscular tenor sound.Allyson has her own deep strength and knows how to use it, with her voice, not as sweet and innocent as her first several Concord albums, but more lustrous and rich. She is a musician who uses her voice, no mere singer. She actually adds to my undying love of The Coltrane Quartet's original "Ballads". To me, this is nothing less than a magnificient achievement. NOTE TO GRAMMY MEMBERS: Here's your front-runner by a long shot.Buy this Karrin Allyson release. Check out her previous, light airy stuff on "From Paris to Rio" after you dig deep into "Ballads" -- a CD you'll listen to, I promise, over and over again.Rob Klotz, KANU Jazz in the Night, University of Kansas"

Karrin Allyson covers John Coltrane like a quilt in winter!

kappakai | 05/30/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If there is a vocalist poised to occupy a place along side of Diana Krall, it is Karrin Allyson. Inspired by John Coltrane's legendary "Ballads" album, vocalist Karrin Allyson puts her own personal and indelible stamp on the same eight, sublime ballads that Coltrane immortalized in his classic early 60's recording - which includes such standards as "Say It (Over and Over Again)", "You Don't Know What Love Is", "Too Young To Go Steady", and "All or Nothing at All". As a bonus, Karrin also performs three additional ballads associated with the saxophone giant, including Coltrane's own haunting, masterpiece composition "Naima". With an accompanying ensemble of today's finest jazz instrumentalists on board - James Williams (piano), John Patitucci (bass), Lewis Nash (drums), and special guest saxophonists Bob Berg, James Carter, and Steve Wilson - Karrin's singing is also inspired by the company she keeps. And she, in turn, clearly sparks and inspires the performances of her consummate cohorts. With Ballads - Remembering John Coltrane - her most intimate and daring recording project to date - Karrin Allyson at once honors Coltrane's inescapable, lyrical influence, while making each song uniquely her own."