Lina Koutrakos: Archives 1980-2015
Lina Koutrakos
Archives 1980-2015
(Miranda Music)
December 7, 2015
Reviewed by John Hoglund for Cabaret Scenes
In a world of ordinary singers, we’re glad we have her.
One of the most acclaimed pop/rock/cabaret singers to emerge from the clubs in recent decades, Lina Koutrakos’ new CD, a collection of previously unreleased studio tracks and live recordings rejuvenated by iconic mastering engineer Roger Lian, is all about her milestones and turning points. Impossible to pigeonhole as an artist, she has conquered countless mediums in the business and played many impressive venues around the globe (especially Paris). This is no cookie-cutter songbird. Her high-energy shows are like love-ins with die-hard fans who won’t quit cheering on the singer and her dynamic band. She has embraced small clubs with definitive cabaret, and has torn off the roof of Joe’s Pub and the Metropolitan Room and long-gone iconic, hip venues like the Bottom Line. The album reflects a portion of those highlights from smoky nights to raising the rafters. One might suggest she is an uncommon fusion of Melissa Etheridge and Mabel Mercer. Rooted in down-home Southern nostalgia and driving lust with her fiercely timbered alto, Koutrakos’ songs implode with human emotion and heartfelt longings. Such are the ingredients that make an artist great. It’s all on this disc; welcome Archives.
Opening with her frequent collaborator, the late, great and much-missed Dick Gallagher, who is on several cuts here, she tears into a soaring “American Dream,” which holds its own against any contemporary pop ballad. “One More Day” by drummer Dan Gross, is a driving rock ballad about life and the mistakes we make. Rick Jensen’s trenchant “Under the Rail” is a highlight sung with burning passion. A live, powerhouse “Town Without Pity” has never sounded more wrenching. This teen angst-laden blast from the past is worth the price of the album. It’s vintage Koutrakos at her best and a perfect example of what all the noise is about when it comes to this extraordinary woman of song. Space does not allow elaboration of the awesome musicians (with a special nod to brilliant guitarist Jean-Pierre Perreaux). Suffice to say that Archives is testament to what believing in yourself can do. Worth noting is her passionate connection to every song. Whether it’s a soft ballad or raucous rock tune, Koutrakos nails it.
Category: Music, Music Reviews, New York City, New York City Music Reviews
