Here are some customer reviews of
Lazy Afternoon
: With this new stellar production finally Regina Belle finds the right chords to express her huge talent: her previous two efforts left me pretty much disappointed,with sappy pop songs unable to reveal the fire and the beauty of her marvelous voice. Thankfully this time Mr. George (Genius) Duke takes command of a beautiful ship, gathering for this project the best guys around, a dream band with Everett Harp, Christian McBride, Ray Fuller, Lenny Castro, Perri (wow, these ladies are really incredible with their inspired backup) among the others. The album concept is a r&b revisiting of great american jazz (and not only) standards: the results is a jazzy, soulful, smooth and beautifully crafted collecton of songs, with Mrs. Belle flying high, bending notes but respecting the original beauty of the melodies nevertheless, taking you to a perfect trip to the land of bliss.... There's no one favorite here, all the songs are simply superb and every note of this album hits the spot and embraces your heart with immense pleasure.
If I have to choose among the gems of this cd, right now I'd go for the up tempo of "If I ruled the world", but also the great duet Belle-Duke fr voice and piano only with "If I should lose you" takes my breath away. And the unrehearsed "For the love of you" brings back memories of real music. Don't miss this one, one of the best works this year ( what about a Grammy nomination?)
I have to admit that, at first listening, I found some aspects of Ms.Belle's interpretations of these pieces disorienting. However, as I listened to these covers repeatedly, I can now say that I understand better what the vocalist is after. Not that I always agree with her and with George Duke,the arranger/producer, but I agree with their choices and their totally new project and enjoy having had my horizons broadened.
Ms.Belle has immense talent, superb technique, and a clear idea of each piece, and she delivers the goods without faltering or compromise. I admire that a lot in a performer. Her choices ask us for a reaction and we are free to accept or reject what she has offered us. When I first heard these renditions, I was quite stand-offish, but over time I have come to appreciate them more and more - almost to the point of addiction - and am grateful to Regina and George for their strength of conviction as well as their superior musicianship.They do NOT want us to listen in a passive way, they are waiting for our reaction..and God, this is really so,so good....That's the true spirit in which an album should be recorded.
I'd encourage you to get this album because it is about strong, powerful and personal interpretations of some great jazz standards by Regina. You may love everything about it, or you may reject aspects of her interpretations. But in any case you will not remain indifferent; you will be enriched by hearing these pieces in a clear and beautifully personal way. That is an important aspect of why I love this imaginative, innovative quality music and why this recording is invaluable.
And it cannot be said enough that her backing band is incredible, giving this album the necessary push to take it over the edge. It is a success because it skilfully avoids being categorized. Regina has had the courage to break out of the traditional mould and make a successful cross-over, which some purists may not approve of... only time will tell.
When it comes to the talents/vocals of Ms. Regina one can say that they truly transcend anything that I could pen on paper. If you are not familiar with the talents of this truly superlative artist you are missing a rare treat. This cd is awesome and breathtaking. To understand this artist you have to have been there for her humble beginnings. Stepping on the scene with "All by myself" I knew that Ms. Regina was one who could do it all. I still enjoy hearing "Stay with Me, Please be Mine, After the Love Has Lost its Shine (Makes you wanna slap yo mamma) and Intimate Relations" All from the All by Myself album. Since that day Regina has move full steam ahead. She has never settled in one genre and is well able to pull off Pop, soundtracks, R&B, funk, Hip/Hop, Urban and all the in-between.
On Lazy Afternoon from the moment the diva opens her mouth you are virtually transported to a time and a place of tranquility. Immediately you ache for that quiet place.
#1 Lazy Afternoon - this track opens the door to what Ms Regina has in store. The vocals are pure and strong, accompanied by wonderful musicians and background vocals. She seems to growl as she conveys a message to the listener. Not may artist can pull off covering a Broadway tune but well this is Regina we are talking bout. 5*
#2 Fly me to the Moon - from what I remember this cut has been covered by some of the greatest including Tony Bennett, Bobby Womack and the late great Nat King Cole. But here Ms Regina incorporates her raw skills and sultry vocals to make this an ageless classic. The piano is beautiful as if it is nipping at her hills for more. The horn arrangement and the sax solo by Everette Harp are beautifully crafted. Only she can make you believe you could fly to the moon 5*
#3 What are you afraid of - With its big band sound this song starts with a bang and then Ms Regina settles down into its warmth. This is a wonderful sing-a-long for those who have the nerve. Here she mentions putting on Nancy Wilson another great jazz legend" but I say Regina is the answer to your evening woes. Another classic with great instrumentals. 4*
#4 If I Ruled the World - "Real men don't like Broadway tunes" Well this rendition may change your thinking on that one. I love this song. It is one of my favorites on the cd and Regina conveys such strength and depth. 5*
#5 Corcovado - a beautiful ballad fitting for Regina's strong vocals. The live instruments especially again the sax by Harp only reinforce the strength of the song. Regina's Portuguese is flawless and flows well without damaging - makes me a believer. 5*
#6 There is a love - a beautiful uptempo cut that is wonderful for bar conversation. It has a smooth sound but an added rough edge supported by ms Regina's voice. Beautiful background vocals. 4*
#7 Why Do People Fall in Love" - Oh my God! This has got to be one of the most beautiful cuts I have heard this year I play it over and over again and you will too. 5*
#8 For the Love of You - This song is how I found out that Regina had a new cd out. On this cut Regina teases us a little with a few of the oldies such as her performance of Harold Melvin & the Bluenotes' "The Love I Lost" and the Isley Brothers' "For The Love Of You." Accompanied by the Perry Sisters, Ms Regina eats this one up. However I like the radio version, which is faster' better but who is complaining. Definitely not this reviewer. 5*
#9 If I Should Lose You - What can I say? By the time you hit this cut you should be on your second glass of wine. Drink Up. A true winner with strong vocals. 4*
#10 Moanin' - This cut is shackled with that church house sound. Regina adds new flava to a song that takes you from one extreme to the next before finally settling down somewhere between heaven and earth. It is jazz, gospel and big band all rolled up in one. You can almost hear the foot stompin/hand clappin of the ancestors. Wonderful for a workout. 5*
#11 The man I love - Another jazz classic. 4*
#12 Try a Little Tenderness - Regina would make Otis proud. She does a wonderful job here and ends on a tendernote. 5*
All and all 5* cd - A must for your collection - I smell a Grammy here and if not something is wrong. Next Regina needs to tackle old standards written by Burt Bacharach. He is known for his challenging arrangements and his ability to bring out the best in artist. Dionne can you here me. BUY THIS CD NOW!
Honestly, I would need about the whole page to really describe how magnificent this CD is. Let me just say that if you fell in love with the sets by Billie Holiday, Nina Simone or even Aretha Franklin, then you will treat this CD as a priority. It has already earned its place in "The BEST of 2005" already! With a strong soulful and jazzy voice, looking like a dead ringer of a young Billie Holiday, and produced by George Duke ( who contributes keyboards and piano, too ), you will want this CD without question. Every jazz standard is classy, with live instrumentation and lyrics that are clear, crisp and perfect phrased.
I cannot say anything bad about the album, but I can say that the bluesy,upbeat number,"There's A Love", is probably my least favourite. It is hard to discern a standout cut, but let me tell you that I found "If I Should Lose You" a very strong emotional record due to the subject material, and the sheer quality of music that acts as a splendid backdrop. Such a sublime record touches the soul very deep indeed.
George Duke , surely, has not sounded as good as this for years.
Add to this unique cut the elevated quality cuts such as the fender rhodes laced "For The Love Of You" and "Why Do People Fall In Love". Fans of Anita Baker will adore this, I just know it. "Lazy Afternoon" is a wonderful moment, too with Oscar Brashear on trumpet which has to be heard, as does the bossa nova Corcovado- deliciously crafted. "If I Ruled The World" is drop-dead gorgeous and allows Regina to flex her vocals in no lightweight fashion. Can we take any more of this music heaven? Well,"The Man I Love" and "Try A Little Tenderness" will probably knock you off your feet. And another thing: the more you play it, the more you love it. SERIOUSLY CLASSY AND SOPHISTICATED.
Words that come to mind while listening to LAZY AFTERNOON, the latest from R&B/Jazz Diva Regina Belle are: exquisite, pure, delightful and enthralling. This new release on Peak Records is sure to hold the demanding attention of audiophiles with Ms. Belle's supremely divine voice, compelling song selection and the spacious, open recording style. This classy project, produced and arranged by George Duke,will be an instant hit with music enthusiasts everywhere who appreciate such a stellar performance. You may recall, Barbra Streisand had a similarly lush recording of songs from 'The Great American Songbook' back in 1975 surrounding the tune "Lazy Afternoon." Regina Belle with George Duke alongside, take on the great songs of the Isley Brothers, Jobim, the Gershwins, among others and simply spice up the arrangements a bit, then stay out of the way. It's with great ease and grace that this CD unfolds. The attention to detail is unbelievable... From the order of songs ("If I Ruled The World" seamlessly melts into "Corcovado"), to the consciousness of the instruments (Everette Harp's tasteful sax, Ray Fuller's sophisticated guitar, Lenny Castro's acclaimed percussion and of course, the articulate piano of George Duke). For some reason "For The Love Of You" is the most popular remake as of late, but nobody's putting it down like Regina with the Perry girls on harmonies. Also of note, the Gospel-tinged version of "Moanin'," the first-person version of "Try A Little Tenderness" and the kickin' it cool, title track. Get your copy today!
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