Paula Prophet | From Me To You
Album Review: Paula Prophet – From Me To You
By George Strand
(Scheduled to be released, January 11th, 2011)
Pacific Coast Recording artist Paula Prophet is no stranger to the jazz vocal program. Encompassing a selective mix of jazz standards, a swirl of R&B delicacies and a shake of that popcorn pop music sound, and well after 20 years stimulating listeners with her deep soul enticing voice, Ms. Prophet keeps her passion for singing alive and well in “From Me To You.”
The EP cradles 6 tracks into a grand – smoothed out flow of melodies Paula simply wraps her vocal gift around and simply takes them to an ear pleasing, easy listening experience.
I can hear some of our Female jazz heroes of the past (Sarah Vaughn, Nina Simone to name a few…) in some of these compositions. The opening background trumpet snare to “From Me To You” reflects Paula’s voice in the mirror, if you will, as she eases into the track with a smooth, ambient reflection. Lyrically engaging to the listener as she simply story-tells her life experiences with others (hopefully listening).
“Show Me” taps the groove up just a tad to a nice fervent mix of instrumentation as well as a delicate lyrical message – a rather appealing muted trumpet solo performance from Mitch Manker should be noted. “Only You” goes back to the opening track’s flow: An easy going, soft ballad rhythmically written for romance. “Don’t Worry ‘Bout Me” bops the hard grooveline dept. with a more updated, R&B sound and another well written material sung from the heart and soul.
“That Man” creates an old-fashioned, guitar string led selection and opens up a mural for Paula to simply paint & provide her indigenous vocals around the composition. Another interesting solo spread in the mix by saxophonist John Rekevics shines bright. And finally “Little Bird” chirps its way to a peaceful close to a well structured and great introductory offer from Ms. Prophet.
The EP could very well become an LP sometime down the road, for hence the reason to start lightly with 6 tracks to feel out the nature of the industry and a chance at a prosperous singing career. The one element Paula brings to the table with the new offering is the full use of instrumentation, in bringing it back to the platform of music. All 15 members of her band participated, and I heard everything from live drums, bass, piano, organ, trumpet, sax, guitars, percussion, background vocalists – you name it, she had it. This, I’m sure, will work heavily in her favor.
Until then, I encourage all jazz vocal loving fans a listen to “From Me To You” and I look forward to more great music from Paula. She has a beautiful voice. I give this one a 4 out of 5 checkmarks.
Visit Ms. Prophet’s website for song samples from the new album.
George Strand
The Urban Music Scene