Anne Burnell: Summer Days & Dreamy Nights
Anne Burnell
Summer Days & Dreamy Nights
November 26, 2014
Reviewed by Carla Gordon for Cabaret Scenes
Is there something in the water? Maybe Anne Burnell has imbibed a magic potion that makes her voice better supported, elastic, and more alive than ever. That is clear on her latest CD, Summer Days & Dreamy Nights. Burnell is singing higher than before, which fleshes out her sultry sound with some lacy feminine tones. This is most clear on Irving Berlin’s “I Got Lost in His Arms,” which is both sensual and sentimental all at once while honoring Burnell’s jazz sensibilities. Husband Mark Burnell’s piano solo on this track is lush and lovely. There are fun Latin rhythms in the Burnells’ s original “San Juan.” Their “Something I Can Feel” has a compelling lyric that challenges us to take the risk to find our individual bliss. It’s sophisticated, meaningful lyric might be better communicated with simpler arranging. Kudos also to producer/arranger Henry Johnson who added grand instrumental interludes throughout, particularly with his own rich guitar riffs as well as those of trumpeter Corey Wilkes featured in Burnell’s bouncy rendition of “The Best Things in Life Are Free.” The closing track, “Goin’ Out of My Head,” features supple vocal riffing and an energetic, rhythmic thrum.
Category: Chicago, Music, Music Reviews
