Search - Veronica Martell :: Art of Intimacy

Smoothjazz.com Review

Sandy Shore | Monterey, CA | 06/21/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I never thought I could ever like any other version of Fleetwood Mac's classic, "Dreams"... Until I heard Veronica Martell's smoky, jazz-flavored interpretation on her stunning new release THE ART OF INTIMACY. And that's just the first track on a very solid collection of striking vocals from this amazing singer. THE ART OF INTIMACY includes a tasty, well-paced set of tunes ranging from straight-ahead jazz in the tradition of Veronica's early idols, like Ella, Etta, Sarah, and Nancy... To a more contemporary style, influenced by the likes of Stevie and Anita. She's surrounded her clear, warm, beautiful voice with some of NYC's top session players, and has picked an impeccable crop of material as well. In addition to "Dreams," Ms. Martell sings two Pete Belasco compositions, the cool John Smatla (Ultrablue) track, "Blind," three of her own originals, including the beautifully bossa "Better with Time," and even gives new life to the folk spiritual, "Wayfaring Stranger." For many years a fixture on the New York nightclub scene, Veronica Martell has become a hugely popular and well-known performer in Europe, with prestigious Copenhagen Blues Festival and Copenhagen Jazz Festival appearances to her credit. Now it's time for North America and the rest of the World to get to know this incredibly talented vocalist. You can start the ball rolling for yourself by picking up a copy of THE ART OF INTIMACY, her third album to date, and becoming a big fan of Veronica Martell's...just like I have. ~Scott O'Brien"