CD Review: Jennifer Palor – “Jenerations”

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CD Review

This review was originally written by Jose Bernardo for www.theweeklyriff.com between 2008 and 2010.

These were Jose’s first impressions of the songs and were not written after multiple spins.

Artist: Jennifer Palor
Album: Jenerations (2009 Tableau Records)
Tracks: 9

Artist website: jenniferpalor.com 

REVIEW OVERVIEW:

There is no question that Jennifer Palor is a gifted singer. That is quite clear on this album. This album is especially great if one just wants to relax and put something on in the back ground after a long day.

There are moments when I feel that the soloists are taking up more space rather than allowing Jennifer’s voice to fill in everything. However, this is a Jazz record and not a pop record, so this is to be expected within the genre.

All the musicians on this album are absolutely great! In that sense, I don’t mind listening to the solos. The arrangements are great too. The production team of Roel Garcia and Dan LaVelle did a great job. LaVelle also wrote (or co-wrote) much of the album’s contents and his songs are very nice.

Keep an ear and eye out for this artist. She’s going places.

HIGHLIGHTS:

Garota De Ipanema (Girl From Ipanema)

PLAY BY PLAY REVIEW

Track 1 – Fly Me To The Moon (Howard)
This is a nice, hip, new arrangement of an old classic. Wonderful choice for an opening track!

Track 2 – Cuckoo (Makita & LaVelle)
Very pretty mid-tempo song.  

Track 3 – Because I Do (LaVelle)
This song has a similar feel to Michael Jackson’s “The Girl Is Mine”. It’s a bit less pop and a lot more jazz. I do wish the bass drum was a bit tighter on this track. 

Track 4 – Until I Find Some Light (LaVelle)
This is a nice, light and atmospheric, ballad. The minimalist approach here pays off. It really allows for Jennifer’s voice to be the focal point. It has a little bit of an old-school Motown feel. 

Track 5 – Boracay (LaVelle)
This song has touches of Latin Jazz in it. It is also a very nice tune and it is no wonder that Zest Airlines wanted to use this as their theme music. 

Track 6 – Sugar (Turrentine)
This is a nice arrangement of Stanley Turretine’s tune. It mixes textures of modern and old R&B. The solos are there to remind us that it is a jazz album though. 

Track 7 – Garota De Ipanema (Girl From Ipanema) (Jobim)
Here’s another new take on a classic standard and it is great! This is easily my favorite track on the album.

Track 8 – Love’s Ecstacy (LaVelle)
Here’s another tune that has that Latin Jazz feel and it strategically follows Track 7. 

Track 9 – Last Bloom (McCandless)
This is a very fitting album closer as it is tranquil. Airy and simple. 

ADDITIONAL NOTES :

Core Musicians:

Jennifer Palor: Lead and Background Vocals
Roel Garcia: Piano, Keyboards, Synth Programming
Dan LaVelle: Electric, Acoustic, and Synth Guitars
Rickard Malmsten: Electric Bass
Anthony Fernandez: Drums

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Posted in CD Reviews, The Weekly Riff (2008-2010) Reprinted.