"Oh, What A Curious Creature..."
Monday, November 26, 2007
For about two measures, discordant piano notes call and respond with its higher octave keys, reminding me of The Pearls composed by Jelly Roll Morton. It's as if two sides of thought are conversing with each other, a tete-a-tete of some sort, as the ascension and immediate descension then produce an accretion of appropriate melody, ornamenting and setting the stage for Emi Meyer to make her appearance.The lyrics are suited for the seemingly poppy-yet-dark backdrop of minor keys. Jazz vocalists were the first in Western music to sing their own lyrics, (as opposed to classical traditions), and Emi Meyer does her part. The song talks of a "curious creature" otherwise known as an angel (or possibly herself), that has either fallen, or is lost in some manner. And the chorus with its repetition of a rhetorical question, "What do you think of me?" ironically makes the listener the curious creature instead. Nothing makes Jazz more complete than improvisation; the song ends with the piano decorating upon bass riffs for about a good 30 seconds.
Emi Meyer's jazz voice, with its deep tone and slight texture, is not only limited to low octaves, as evidenced when she pop glides into slightly higher notes on the "by myself" refrains. But in case those weren't enough to satisfy, her other piece One Good Song, starts out with a not-too-breathy but high key and delves into an a slightly loose singing style (but keeps its discipline as it fits the AABBCCCC form), making the song very relaxing and enjoyable to the listener. And we are definitely loving the accompanying drums and bass! Beautifull done...
Arrivederci (Curious Creature)
One Good Song (Curious Creature)
Sunrise (Live at Hotel Cafe)
Crafted Tone (from Magnolias EP)
If you're into these tracks go pick up the Curious Creature album here.
Currently, Meyer is studying and performing shows in Japan, where she was born. You're lucky if you can catch a live show! Lastly Check out videos here.
This post was contributed by Good French Knee.
Labels: jazz
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