Halie Loren’s second effort They Oughta Write A Song…. picks up where her first release Full Circle (2006) left off. I found once again that her voice was able to wrap me up and take me away…always a welcome relief from the stress of everyday life these trying times we are facing.
The title track appropriately sets the stage and is a fine original arrangement that plays well to Ms. Loren’s talents as a vocalist and intimate storyteller. This is just the beginning however and it does set the table for the many delights that are ahead for your ears.
Loren primarily focuses on classic songs interpreted through the eyes of jazz and some are interesting choices. “A White Shade of Pale” was one that caught me by surprise and as it turns out, a very good choice. With the way Halie and her excellent band produce, this classic rock tune you would think it was a jazz song first not the other way around. It sounds natural and flows beautifully with Halie’s soft and inviting vocal style and the band behind her pulls her along and she returns the favor as the interplay in this song (and the entire recording) turns out to be the key constituent that makes all of this work so well. Matt Treder (piano, keys), Mark Schneider (bass), Brian West (drums) and Tim McLaughlin (trumpet) provide the driving force behind the woman out front.
There may be only three originals here but the selection for the cover tracks is quite diverse allowing the band and Halie to stretch out and enjoy each song and use that opportunity to highlight all of their talents. It is intelligent musicianship and song selection to be sure. I am big on originals, particularly with indie artists because it is so difficult to garner attention for your work. It seems that everyone is doing cover albums, especially in the jazz world, raising the bar even higher for those looking for recognition. In this case, Halie Loren rises above the norm and is able to stand out and throw in a few originals to make sure everyone realizes she has what it takes to create and perform her own material. There was never any doubt from where I sit but what will someone that just discovered her think? I am glad to report that my belief is that the consensus should be in Halie’s favor for most of us that are appreciative of classic tracks well done regardless of style. How can you miss with songs like “The Dock of the Bay” and “As Time Goes By”? If you have the right band behind you and a vocal talent to deliver the goods then success is sure to follow.
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
February 25, 2009
