Article by Dave Briggs
It’s no secret that one of my favorite genres, if not my all-time favorite genre, is jazz. I dig that jazzy sound from its roots in New Orleans Dixieland, on through the big band swing era, into bebop with Bird, cool with Davis, classy with Brubeck, power with Maynard, intensity with Buddy, on into the contemporary era with Wynton, Bergeron, and so many others taking the reins. I love the instrumentalists, the bands, and the vocalists who have each brought their own personal spin to the genre. I’m always on the lookout for someone I haven’t heard yet who will take over my stereo system. But I don’t think there was an artist that took me quite so by surprise than Melody Gardot with her first album, Worrisome Heart.
What a find this one was. I was on the iTunes store one day in the earlier part of last year when I stumbled across Melody’s single (after which the album is named), Worrisome Heart, as a free download. I was pleasantly surprised to find Jazz as free content. After a short download, I gave it a listen and I was astounded. The music was just about the coolest, slinkiest blues one could imagine. The sparse piano reminded me of Gershwin’s Summertime, and there was a brief muted trumpet part that was so unbelievably hip. But this was all before the first minute was up. About 45 seconds in, Miss Gardot started singing, and I absolutely melted. Her voice has been compared to Diana Krall, but Melody’s voice is much subtler. She has also been compared to Norah Jones, but Melody’s voice is much sultrier. I honestly can’t think of a vocal timbre that I have enjoyed more than Melody Gardot’s. As current Jazz vocalists go, she is probably my new favorite, edging out even the incredible Krall and Jones.
Once I finally bought the whole album, I realized that the titular track was no fluke. Worrisome Heart is a brilliant album, full of sultry original jazz, such as the seductive, bass driven Goodnite, the sonorous, free floating Love Me like a River Does, and the sweltering, sizzling Quiet Fire. The whole affair is an incredible experience that can be enjoyed equally well alone or with a fancier.
The only problem is that the album is just over half an hour long, which definitely leaves the audience wanting more. However, it also means there is no filler here. Every track, even the short instrumental Twilight at the end, is meaningful and excellent. In addition, every song is an original, written by Miss Gardot herself. There is absolutely no reason not to buy this album if you’re a jazz fan who wants something new, if you’re looking for an easy introduction into jazz, or if you’re just looking for a female vocalist that differs from what plays on the radio.
Note: Miss Gardot's second album, My One and Only Thrill, is currently available in the United Kingdom and will be released in the United States on April 28. Expect a review sometime after I can get a hold of it.
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