I Am Singing…Songs I Love
On her stunning sophomore album, Tracey Whitney pays joyful homage to a diverse mix of musicians who have inspired her own singing and songwriting. Rounded out by three original tracks, “I Am Singing…Songs I Love” (a nod at her cover of theStevie Wonder classic, “Ngiculela – Es Una Historia/I Am Singing”) features theLos Angeles/Albuquerque-based singer’s stirring renditions of classic yet lesser-covered songs by artists like Michael Franks, and Antonio Carlos Jobim. At turns breezy and beautifully moving, the follow-up to 2007’s much-acclaimed “Love…A Fable in 9 Acts” serves up more of the silky Jazz-Soul fusion that’s become the trademark for this former child singing sensation and backup vocalist for the legendaryRay Charles.
But while Whitney’s extraordinary career has played a key role in shaping the smooth sound heard throughout I Am Singing…Songs I Love, her pop instincts, soulful sensibility, and irresistibly natural ease behind the microphone are all essential to the album. Whether reimagining Garth Brooks’ Beatles-esque country pastiche“Wrapped Up In You” as a soaring, scat-laced celebration of love or giving a sweet nod to the Jackson 5 by joining her brother (and fellow former Whitney Family member)Glynn Whitney on an update of Michael Jackson’s jazzy “I Can’t Help It,” Tracey pairs her dynamic vocals with refined arrangements to glorious effect. On her original numbers, meanwhile, Whitney introduces innovative elements that let her own singular style shine through: “Heartbreak 2011,” for instance, combines a quietly powerful beat and aching lyrics (“I lost my chance at heaven”) with a heart rending spoken-word intro and outro.
No matter if she’s delivering an original song or a cover, Tracey infuses her songs with a slick sophistication that’s uncommon in today’s musical landscape. “It’s lovely if younger people enjoy my music, but I’m really singing for adults, and telling real stories about real situations,” says Whitney. “What I hope is for people to hear my songs and connect with them on a very emotional level—and ultimately get a sense of calm and joy from that.”
In addition to Hollywood, the album also features Tim Anderson (from Love… A Fable In 9 Acts) on saxophone, brother Glynn Whitney and sister Cozette Whitney-Boldenperforming vocals.
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