Dana Bryant - Wishing From The Top
Eva Fernandes (Eva.Fernandes@ft.com)
Fri, 23 Aug 1996 18:21:58 +0100
At last this CD is out in all good records shops!! It was certainly
worth the wait.
For those of you unfamiliar with Dana Bryant, she's been described as
a female Gil Scott-Heron. Personally I think she's a hell of a lot
better. Much more pleasing to the ear than his harsh tones. The
parallel is drawn simply because their genre of music is 'technically'
jazz-poetry, although being on this list 'what is jazz?' should be a
question we frequently ask ourselves.
Dana's voice can only be described as delicious - it drips sensuality.
AND, not only does *she* sound fantastic but the music is totally
awesome too. It's a mixture of sounds, a bit of hip-hop, soul, jazz
and bits in-between. I find it really difficult to categorise music
like this as there is so much going on yet it is blended perfectly. s
It's good to see a lot of UK musicians on the LP, including ex
Galliano/Style Council keyboardist Mick Talbot. Jhelisa Anderson
(although technically an American - but on Dorado, a UK label!)
provides vocals for what is probably my favourite track - 'Ode to
Chaka Khan' - another one of my fave female singers. There isn't a
dud track on this LP - so if you want what IMHO is a great
'Jazz-poetry' album - get this.
I can't wait to see her live - not only to check her out but to watch
the men in the audience (and probably some of the women!) melt at the
sight and sound of this lady. Does anyone know if/when she is coming
to London? Although I read in a recent article in 'The Big Issue'
(July 29 Aug. 4 1996) that she performs without backing musicians.
That would be a shame - but she'd still be worth checking out.
Eva