Search - Nature Boy :: Nature Boy

Fine Line

Lee Armstrong | Winterville, NC United States | 09/21/2008

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This jazz pop CD was originally released in 1998. Its sweet mix of light traditional jazz is intoxicating. Guitarist Tom Cantwell who is pictured floating on the bottom of the pool on the back cover wrote the tracks with pianist Caroline Guirr. "Makes No Matter" sways with an upbeat flow as Julie Weaver's lead vocals lament about a lover that is, "Never gonna come back to me." "Make My Dreams Come True" has a light techno feel with an abbreviated lyric. The 6-&-1/2 minute "Close to Me" has a sweet jazz groove with Weaver's vocals like an American Brasil '66, "I don't want to say goodbye to you; I want to keep it alive; Do you?" Weaver's vocals ache on "More Tears," "When someone new has found a way to that place inside your heart where I used to be." The first two tracks may be the strongest with the opener "Coming Home" having a lovely pop melody. However, Weaver's vocals are mixed way low like one of the instruments. "Jam Again" lets Guirr's piano loose on a swaying jazz-pop number, "Dancin' on the fine lines of truth." "Nature Boy" is a five-person band that does well on this independent release. Weaknesses include a lack of technical sharpness in the recording and lyrics that are often pedestrian. However, this sweet jazz sound has a strong appeal. Enjoy."