Search - Randy Crawford :: Windsong

Bluesy, slick, emotional, pure class

Christopher J. Benz | Melbourne, Australia | 06/21/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Randy's music is always a very evocative and personal experience for me. This album in particular reminds me of being a kid in the very early eighties and the relationships in my family - my mum used to play these tracks non-stop. I say this because it's really what this type of album is about - it's a song cycle of beautiful, but lonely, heartbroken themes, tempered by Randy's defiant sense of soul and pride. This album will make you smile and cry. The musicianship is very reminiscent of the post Steely Dan L.A. session scene from late 70's/early 80's. Think Quincy Jones/George Benson from that era. For me, the playing is a little more bluesy and genuine than a lot of the hit machine stuff played by the same muso's (ie Thriller). A few of the band are also members of Toto to give you some flavour of how it sounds. But make no mistake, Randy is the focus and the band perfectly complement her incredibly warm vocalising. If you've ever heard Randy live, you'll understand that her voice is SO perfect you can't quite believe it's real. Combine that with her gorgeous sense of spirit, and this is really music to treasure. There are no duds on this very soulful, pop-savvy record. I have a definite soft spot for 'This Night Won't Last Forever' and 'One Hello'. I love the self affirming 'Look Who's Lonely Now' and the lightly funked up 'We had a love so strong'. But there is so much else to enjoy here. I gave this record full marks for being right up there with the best of it's kind. If you like this, you will also enjoy Secret Combination, Nightline and Abstract Emotions."

Great Listening

Joel Rodriguez | Atlanta, GA USA | 03/18/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album is som much like what Al Jarreau does when he goes from jazz to pop. This is Randy doing her touch on pop tunes with so much flavor and tatse that I can listen to this one forever. I thas such a different feel from my other Randy Favorite- "Raw Silk" (I have EVERY Randy recording) that if her voice weren't so distinctive you would think they were different people! Yet she has such beautiful delviery and dynamics, song selection- She is one of very few artists that I buy totally unheard out of the box- and phrasing that I cannot prase her enough. Randy is one of the most underrated and underappreciated singers of our time.
"One Hello" is my personal favorite from here but ALL are great!"