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Matthew Ruddick

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Author of Funny Valentine, an acclaimed new biography of the jazz trumpet player and singer, Chet Baker.
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Saturday, 14 October 2017 07:26

Sarah Elizabeth Charles - Free Of Form

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Beautiful and exquisite lyrics combined with high quality production qualifies this album as a treasure find.

This talented vocalist and producer hails from Springfield, Massachusetts and has taken her talents across the USA with her band Scope.

Now residing in NYC, Sarah Elizabeth Charles, is surrounded by virtuosos and mentors also collaborating with renowned trumpeter Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah. Scott is also a guest and co-producer on this album.

Charles has worked extremely hard to get to where she is today and this will be the third studio album following Red (2006) and Inner Dialogue (2015). There are also two self-produced albums which are difficult to get hold of - Angel Eyes (2004) and Live At The Majestic Theatre (2006).

Her range of vocal dynamics is engaging and there is something on this album for everyone, whether you are a staunch fan of jazz, classical or rock. This album will appeal to a very wide audience, therefore securing its commercial success and longevity. Free Of Form will be played for years to come, which is a good strategic outcome for any successful artist.

Charles uses her vocal platform to covey messages of social and political injustice, keeping the listener engaged with her well thought-out and compelling lyrics.

Listen as she is about to preach and her word is gospel; each track is vignette into the world of Sarah Elizabeth Charles.

I have lifted a few select tracks for this review:

If Purview is the genesis, then this track certainly is the beginning of a wonderful album full of interconnected stories. Charles has story to tell and you should listen. Her voice is angelic, hypnotising and dynamic. Purview’s atmospheric into is a great opening for this album featuring trumpeter Christian Scott.

Free Of Form's lyrics are strong and the music is structured in an unfamiliar way. It is not until you listen to it a few times only then you will hear the changes from verse to chorus with the signature Scott solo. Thought provoking, articulate and melodic.

The requiem March To Revolution uses interesting lyrics although I am not sure I would remember them for that particular quality. More for use of digital effects

Taller is a wonderful song and Charles radiates a smooth cottony voice that provides virtual comfort. This is a soulful track full of positive lyrics.

Charles uses the spectrum range of tonal dynamics during her performance of Learn How To Love; the instruments that accompany this amazing vocal talent are rich in structure and well balanced.

The classic Cranberries track, Zombie, written by Dolores O'Riordan in 1994, still radiates all that is Irish rock although with a modern vibrant production sound behind it. This is so fresh. like waking up to a cold shower. I like this a lot. The lyrics are more relevant to society today than when this track first emerged in the pop charts back in the 90s.

This album is like a small diamond with many facets that reflects the beautiful colours of music. This gemstone is a treasure and should be cherished.

 

Credits:

Sarah Elizabeth Charles (vocals / co-producer)

Jesse Elder (Piano, Keyboards, Rhodes)

Burniss Earl Travis II (Bass)

John Davis (Drums)

Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah (Trumpet)

 

Label: Ropeadope, Stretch Music

Read 2726 times Last modified on Saturday, 14 October 2017 15:44

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