The Elusive Exclusive


Jacintha - Lush Life
Groove Note

Formats: GRV1011 (180g 2 LP's), GRVCD1011 (Aluminum CD), GRVSAM1011 (Multichannel SACD)

Style: Jazz Vocals

Musicians: Jacintha, jazz vocals; Various guest artists.

Review: Please allow me to introduce you to a new listening talent, a woman whose jazz vocals and sensual voice will define a new, pleasing form of mellow sound for those who come into contact with her voice. Her name is Jacintha. There is no voice that can compare to Jacintha simply because it is a unique voice unto itself, and there is a wonderful, sweet, mellow magic about her voice. There are 10 selections on this collection, each one a jazz standard. Songs include: "The Boulevard of Broken Dreams," "Black Coffee," "Summertime," "Lush Life," "Manha De Carneval," "The Shadow of Your Smile," "When the World Was Young," "September Song," "Harlem Nocturne," and "Smile." Jacintha is accompanied by the sounds of Anthony Wilson on guitar, Dmitri Matheny on flugehorn, and Bill Cunliffe does all string arrangements and plays the piano. Darek Oles is on bass, and there is a tremendous amount of talent shared by the musicians playing the violins, violas, celli, and the gifted Amy Shulman on harp. Frank Marocco plays accordion on the intricate "Boulevard of Broken Dreams." Jacintha has flawless phrasing, her voice so clear and inviting that the listener is part of every image. This is a collection where the sharing of feeling between singer and listeners is very evident, and enjoyable. "Lush Life" is a showcase collection for the vocals of Jacintha. Her version of "Smile" is one of the most beautiful ever recorded, and a gem of a listening experience. Bill Cunliffe's piano stylings are a perfect background for the voice of Jacintha. Buy this CD when you come across it and enjoy the voice of one of the finest jazz vocalists to come on the scene in a long time. Jacintha has one of the most intimate jazz voices in the contemporary jazz scene. A lovely, powerhouse of a recording, "Lush Life" is a definite winner and entertainment at its best. Jacintha will touch your heart, mind, and soul with her beautiful jazz singing. - Lee Prosser - jazzreview.com

Review: “This is excellent late-night listening...” “mesmerizing” - Judith Schlesinger - All Music Guide

Review: “Her sumptious vocals caress every melodic phrase ..... These are performances to luxuriate in. - Jazz On CD - The Straits Times

Review: “...her delicate vocals come thru as though she was sitting in your lap.” - Audiophile Audition - March 2002