Review: KJ Denhert - Dal Vivo a Umbria Jazz

I had never listened to KJ Denhert before receiving Dal Vivo a Umbria Jazz for review. However, I do enjoy bluesy jazz, which is how I would describe her sound.

Her website, which we are featuring as part of this review, describes here style as "urban folk and jazz." I suppose that fits the bill as well.

What she has on this particular release is some very sweet easy-listening music, perfectly suitable for both a rainy day when you're just relaxing at home alone or when you are motoring down the road, seeking some pleasant refrains to help you forget that you share the road with about a million clueless humans who never learned to drive.

I would compare her voice to that of James Taylor's. It not that there are really any sonic qualities in common, but both singers give you the distinct feeling that everything is going to be okay. And that's a very nice effect for one's money's worth.

Denhert plays this particular live set with a sharp band who will remind you of Michael Feldman's musical accompaniment on Whadya Know. When the album is over, you will want more.

The album showcases her own songwriting as well as her own interpretations of some workhorses that have been around forever. Listen to her take on Somewhere Over the Rainbow and Ticket to Ride that attempt to make you forget who came out with them first. Additionally, she turns the Police's Message in a Bottle into a bare-bones jazz standard. Amazing!

Her original stuff will grab you, too. And the album is live, but the recording is studio-quality.

You may or may not have heard of KJ Denhert, but you will be hearing more and more of this talented songstress. And remember, just listen to her music and get the sweet feeling that everything is going to be all right...

http://www.kjdenhert.com/

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