CD review - Nancy Lamott/ Come Rain or Come Shine, The Songs of Johnny Mercer

I came across this CD a while back when I was still relatively new to the world of cabaret.  I was looking for recordings by cabaret artists and Nancy Lamott’s name came up repeatedly during my search.  After a bit of googling, I found out about her reputation as cabaret legend as well as her untimely death at the age of 43 after losing the battle to cancer. 

The album, a tribute to her favourite lyricist Johnny Mercer, was promptly ordered and I was transfixed when I played it the first time on the day it arrived.  Nancy Lamott’s reading of Moon River is absolutely exquisite.  Her rich, smooth and pure voice, which has been compared to melted chocolate sounds simply ethereal - it is almost dreamlike.  And so is the rest of the CD. 

The entire album has an evocative and understated mood and it works.  Her long time arranger and pianist/musical director Christopher Marlowe’s original arrangement is inspiring as are Lamott’s enchanting vocals.

I won’t even attempt to choose any highlights.  From the sublime opening number Moon River to the sensual That Old Black Magic, or the haunting Whistling Away the Dark to the heartfelt P.S I Love You, every song is a standout in its own right.  Lamott encapsulates the essence of cabaret on this album, and tells a story with each word she sings with intimacy, emotion, passion and sensitivity.  I highly recommend this CD to anyone who appreciates cabaret or quality music of any kind.  Truly unforgettable.

Comments

[Kabana]

Hmmm...really makes me want to check out her CD...