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Quote from Bruce Crowther (UK critic and author of several jazz Books) Although this exceptionally gifted Australian singer draws her repertoire largely from the Great American Song Book, she also loves French songs and that predilection makes itself apparent here. The first of these CDs is a double, a studio recording and a live concert - the latter recorded at the Art Gallery of South Australia during an exhibition of all things French. The second CD takes the French connection several steps further as Janet deftly shapes her selection of songs into jazz works without ever losing any of their original intrinsically Gallic flavour. Her accompanists include her brother, David Seidel, who, in addition to playing bass, is co-owner with Janet of this record company. Over the years, Janet has widely and happily acknowledged some of her inspirators and she pays tribute to two of them with the second pair of CDs. As the album titles make clear, they are Doris Day and Peggy Lee. Far too original and honest to fall into the trap of copying, Janet draws on repertoire rather than vocal sound, although here and there are astute hints of stylistic awareness. The first of these sets is actually Janet's similarly titled cabaret show and she also plays piano, zipping through 31 songs in a beautifully relaxed yet rhythmic manner, the two ingredients one most associates with Day. As just a glance at the song titles on the fourth CD indicates, Lee placed her indelible and magical mark on many songs: 'Black Coffee', 'He's A Tramp', 'Fever', 'I Don't Know Enough About You', 'Mr Wonderful', 'The Folks Who Live On The Hill', 'Street Of Dreams'. It is a measure of Janet's skill, sincerity and admiration that during her performance it is to her own interpretations of these wonderful songs that all attention is drawn. As for the 2004 release of Christmas songs, do not be misled into thinking that this is a CD for playing only during the holiday season. By no means is this so; you will find yourself playing it whatever the time of year. Janet is without question, a singer for all seasons. Throughout, Janet is backed by instrumentalists who collectively and individually vividly demonstrate the great jazz strengths that lie in Australia. Increasingly in recent years, Janet has played outside Australia and the Far East; hence her audience in the UK and the USA is growing just as is desreved by a singer with her talent. Recent tours of Europe have helped change that, and listening to these or any other of the excellent CDs she has made can only enhance Janet's reputation. Check out the artist's website: http://www.labravamusic.com Track List: 1. And the Angels Sing 2. Dance in the Old Fashioned Way 3. I Wish You Love 4. Once Upon a Summertime 5. Smile 6. Windmills of Your Mind 7. These Foolish Things 8. Cest Si Bon 9. Summer of 42 10. I Will Wait For You 11. A Man and a Woman 12. Tout Doucement 13. Padam 14. J'attendrai Suggested CDs:Other Genres:
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