Record Reviews

DALIA FAITELSON ~ POWERED BY LIFE LOSEN 199 (Barcode: 7090025831997) ~ DENMARK ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2017 Released: 2018 This is the eleventh album as a leader by Israeli (resident in Denmark) vocalist / guitarist / songwriter Dalia FaitelsonFind albums by this artist, since her debut released in 1994. On this album she is supported by the veteran Danish pianist Thomas ClausenFind albums by this artist, cellist Soma AllpassFind albums by this artist and drummer Anders ProvisFind albums by this artist. Bassist Fredrik DamsgaardFind albums by this artist and percussionist Ayi SolomonFind albums by this artist (born in Ghana) guest on selected tracks. The album presents eight original songs composed by and with lyrics written by Faitelson The music is a cross-genre amalgam of influences, including Pop, cabaret, World Music, Classical and marginally Jazz, with highly melodic contents very skillfully arranged for the rather unusual instrumentation present here. The cello, which is dominant on this album, creates a serene, almost chamber atmosphere on most of the tracks. The overall melancholic and somewhat somber feel is predominant. The compositions are all well put together and coherent, providing an excellent platform for the musicians to express their ideas. Faitelson has a limited vocal range, which forces her to use a very specific, almost half spoken word articulation, instead of singing in the classic meaning of the term, similar to chanson and cabaret singers rather than Pop of Jazz vocalists. Her singing in English is not very helpful either. But all things considered, her theatrical vocal expression is effective and very musical. In addition she also plays some great guitar licks, which sadly are not as dominant on this album as one would wish for. The performances by the members of the band are all brilliant, with heart melting cello parts by Allpass and superb piano parts by Clausen, who is the Jazz anchor or this album. All the musicians involved seem to have a great time playing here, which is evident by the final result. Overall this is an excellent album by a mature Artist, who knows exactly what she wants and where she is going. Her songs are beautifully woven and she delivers them in a very effective theatrical way, using top musicians at her side to complete the experience. Definitely recommended, especially for people outside of Denmark, who might not be familiar with her music. Toda raba!

Updated: 06/04/2018Posted: 06/04/2018

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