Record Reviews

NORMA WINSTONE ~ CHAMBER MUSIC EMARCY 602498659601 (Barcode: 602498659601) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 2002 Released: 2003 This is the debut album by the trio comprising of the divine British vocalist / lyricist Norma WinstoneFind albums by this artist, Italian pianist / composer Glauco VenierFind albums by this artist and German saxophonist / clarinetist / composer Klaus GesingFind albums by this artist. The trio keeps recording to this day and released four more albums, all on the ECMFind albums on this label label (last album released in 2018). The album presents eleven pieces, eight of which were composed by the trio members and three originate from other sources. Winstone wrote the lyrics to four of the pieces. The album was recorded at the superb Italian Artesuono Studios and offers a remarkable sound quality and clarity. Winstone seems to have found the ideal partners with these two excellent musicians and as a result a lasting and fruitful relationship was developed between them, producing over time a long series of exquisite albums. She is using all her vocal arsenal with the same effectiveness, both when singing words or wordless vocalese. Venier is a wonderful piano player creating layers of harmony beneath her vocals and Gesing develops a dialogue with her vocals with his soprano saxophone parts or atmospheric layers with his baritone clarinet parts. The chamber character suits the music superbly and the delicate, but highly expressive result is breathtaking. In many respects this music is an epitome of European Jazz, which ideally combines improvisation with Classical Music elements creating a new way of expression and a new Jazz aesthetics, taking the idiom to another plane. Perhaps the fact that all three members of the trio come from diverse European Cultural backgrounds is the key factor in creating this unique amalgam, but whatever the reasons might be, something innovative and inspired is born here, and continues to grow with the consecutive albums. For followers of British Jazz this album is also an important turning point, symbolizing the integration of British Jazz with the rest of the European scene, which up to the turn of the Millennium was still somewhat sectarian. Winstone has a rich history of cooperating with musicians from other countries even before this album was recorded, but the full synergy was achieved herein. In retrospect this is still a groundbreaking recording which lost absolutely nothing of its originality and intrinsic beauty over time. Wholeheartedly recommended, but very difficult to get hold of a copy these days, still definitely worth pursuing!

Updated: 20/11/2018Posted: 20/11/2018

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NORMA WINSTONE ~ DANCE WITHOUT ANSWER ECM 2333 (Barcode: 602537430475) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 2012 Released: 2013 This is the fourth (third on the ECMFind albums on this label label) album by British Jazz diva vocalist / lyricist Norma WinstoneFind albums by this artist recorded in a trio format with Italian pianist Glauco VenierFind albums by this artist and German saxophonist / clarinetist Klaus GesingFind albums by this artist. The album presents Winstone´s interpretations of thirteen songs; three of these songs are original compositions by Gesing with lyrics by Winstone, two others are compositions by Tomas MendezFind albums by this artist and Ralph TownerFind albums by this artist again with lyrics by Winstone, two are original compositions by Venier and the rest are Pop songs, including one song from MadonnaFind albums by this artist´s repertoire, which all get the special Winstone treatment. As usual with these trio albums, the music is an expression of intimacy and subtlety, full of wonderful dialogues and trialogues between Winstone and her cohorts, always deeply respectful and sympathetic; an obvious labor of love and mutual understanding. The music is stripped to the bare essence, both harmonically and melodically, leaving just Winstone vocal acrobatics and instrumental ornamentation. It is obviously a "less is more" statement, and in this case the more is an understatement. Winstone is not only a great vocalist, but also a Master of delivery and weaver of theatrical tension and aesthetic magnificence. Although seemingly simplistic, her vocal delivery is in fact deeply complex, which thanks to her total control of her vocal abilities appears to be simple to the listener. Contrary to the minimalist approach, the music this trio creates is complete in every way. Just the voice and two instruments are able to create a coherent and perfectly woven tapestry of sound, which says everything it is meant to say. It is especially evident in the interpretations of the Pop songs, which many listeners might be familiar with in their original versions, and which sound here more convincing and striking even when stripped from the heavy arrangements and instrumental background, which often hides the essence rather that reveals it. This album is another milestone in Winstone´s long and accomplished career, finding her in full command of her vocal and aesthetic capabilities. An obvious must have to the many Winstone faithful fans; this album is also an excellent window of opportunity to notice her exquisite Art, for those who have not discovered her yet. As usual, thank you Milady for being there, singing and most of all being yourself!

Updated: 28/05/2018Posted: 28/05/2018

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NORMA WINSTONE ~ DESCANSADO: SONGS FOR FILMS ECM 2567 (Barcode: 602557869897) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 2017 Released: 2018 This is the fifth (fourth on the ECMFind albums on this label label) album by British Jazz diva vocalist / lyricist Norma WinstoneFind albums by this artist recorded in a trio format with Italian pianist Glauco VenierFind albums by this artist and German saxophonist / clarinetist Klaus GesingFind albums by this artist. Two additional musicians: Norwegian percussionist Helge Andreas NorbakkenFind albums by this artist and Italian cellist Mario BrunelloFind albums by this artist, appear as guest on the album. The album presents Winstone´s interpretations of eleven theme songs of cult, mostly European films, one of which is also repeated in a short solo piano version. Two of these songs have original English lyrics, Winstone wrote lyrics for six more of the themes and the remaining ones remain wordless vocalese pieces. Venier and Gesing wrote all the instrumental arrangements. The album is dedicated to two great British Jazz luminaries, who were inseparable from Winstone´s career over the years: pianist John TaylorFind albums by this artist and trumpeter Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist, both sadly no longer with us. The music is an intimate, highly elegant and exquisite piece of European Culture, which has an inclusive approach to Art, in which Cinema, Music and all other Art forms are simply different aspects of the same aesthetics. On this album Winstone in sublimely minimalist, as is the instrumental accompaniment, which only amplifies the overall effect of immediacy and deep empathy with the original music. She is, as always, consistent with her established vocal techniques and expressions, which enable a wide palette of vocal possibilities that she wisely and thoughtfully employs. Of course all the musicians involved are Masters of their trade and their ability to cushion Winstone´s delicate vocal phrases with their magic touches is utterly radiant. Winstone´s albums are always a completely risk-free endeavors for me, pieces of sublime taste and perfect execution that one can "blindly" count on. It just occurred to me that I have known Norma longer that I know my wife, which seems to be forever. Since I met her in 1968 I have closely followed her achievements, often on the vanguard of the British / European Jazz, and she never ever disappointed me in any way. Such remarkable consistency and creative power is incredibly rare and I am grateful to her for five decades of musical delights. I suppose this music might not appeal to all Jazz enthusiasts. It is definitely fragile and somewhat Spartan, compelling the listener to make an intellectual and emotional effort in order to absorb it, as all great Art does. Being familiar with these cult films and their soundtracks clearly helps. It is haute culture, obviously, which in our Neanderthal world gets barely noted, but that means it is something worth living for. If you know Winstone´s work, this album will be undoubtedly one of the crown jewels, if you don´t this is perhaps a great opportunity to discover her. In any case, this is a brilliant piece of music, which is out there for everybody to love!

Updated: 27/05/2018Posted: 27/05/2018

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NORMA WINSTONE ~ DISTANCES ECM 2028 (Barcode: 602517549234) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 2007 Released: 2008 The British Jazz Diva, singer Norma WinstoneFind albums by this artist, with five decades of amazing career behind her, is still an unstoppable creator of heavenly music and every new release, which features her incredible voice, is a gift from musical heaven. On this exquisite album Norma is accompanied by just two musicians, the German clarinetist (bass) and saxophonist (soprano) Klaus GesingFind albums by this artist and Italian pianist Glauco VenierFind albums by this artist. This intimate setting is ideal for this delicate, fragile music, which floats like a butterfly from one song to another, showing the different shades and color of its wonderfully colorful wings. The music comes from different sources: some of it is composed by Gesing or Venier, some is traditional and a couple of standards are also present. Norma wrote the lyrics to all of these songs, another formidable showcase of her amazing talents. Overall this album is way beyond just music; it´s a complete aesthetic / intellectual love affair, which, when properly appreciated, is a source of bliss and delight. It seems futile to describe the music using words, just grab this album, pour a glass of wine and sit back and listen…and enjoy. Life it too short to miss this! Visitors' Comments Christopher  Brice I bought the later album first (Stories Yet to Tell), fell in love at first listen, and immediately ordered this one; I could not say which is better: buy both! (The John Surman influence seems to be very strong, as on SYTT.)

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NORMA WINSTONE ~ STORIES YET TO TELL ECM 2158 (Barcode: 602527374260) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 2009 Released: 2010 The British Jazz Diva, singer Norma WinstoneFind albums by this artist, with five decades of amazing career behind her, is still an unstoppable creator of heavenly music and every new release, which features her incredible voice, is a gift from musical heaven. On this exquisite album Norma is accompanied by just two musicians, the German clarinetist (bass) and saxophonist (soprano) Klaus GesingFind albums by this artist and Italian pianist Glauco VenierFind albums by this artist. This intimate setting is ideal for this delicate, fragile music, which floats like a butterfly from one song to another, showing the different shades and color of its wonderfully colorful wings. The music comes from different sources: some of it is composed by Gesing or Venier, some is traditional and a couple of standards are also present. Norma wrote the lyrics to all of these songs, another formidable showcase of her amazing talents. Overall this album is way beyond just music; it´s a complete aesthetic / intellectual love affair, which, when properly appreciated, is a source of bliss and delight. It seems futile to describe the music using words, just grab this album, pour a glass of wine and sit back and listen…and enjoy. Life it too short to miss this! Visitors' Comments Christopher  Brice I respectfully agree with Adam´s comments, but want to add that the sax is strongly reminiscent of Surman in lyrical mode; and that I immediately ordered the other album by this trio - now spinning sublimely in my CD player for the first time

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