#jazzySideOfLife

Good morning,

Today I am thinking about an album by Cyndi Lauper. No, it is not the traditional Cyndi Lauper, as in her album, “The Essential Cyndi Lauper.” Rather, it is the album, “Memphis Blues.”

Memphis Blues 2010 album from the Pop diva, a traditional Memphis Blues album featuring guest appearances from Jonny Lang, B.B. King and others. After more than 20 sterling years and global record sales in excess of 25 million, Cyndi Lauper has proven that she has the heart and soul to keep her legion of fans compelled by her every creative move. With her first album She's So Unusual, Cyndi won a Grammy award for Best New Artist and became the first female artist in history to have five Top 10 singles from a …
Read More

I have to admit, at first, I was not impressed. (Sorry, Cyndi.) I did not feel she had “the feel” for blues. I thought, yeah, another crossover… But, then, as I listened more and more, I grew to be more and more fond of the music. When I got to a point that I “craved” another listen to her album I realized that maybe I had misjudged it.

What is the definition of “feel” and who am I to determine who has it and who does not have it?

The instrumentation on this album is wonderful. I hear a Billie Holiday influence throughout the album. On “How Blue Can You Get?” I can hear Cyndi’s vocal stylings, as she interprets the Blues. Can’t help but groove to the classic “Early In the Morning.” “Crossroads” shows how Cyndi can stretch that interpretation, and yet keep with the Cyndi musical expression blended into this new genre.

Ok, maybe I still really enjoy Cyndi in true “Cyndi Lauper style,” but this album? Well, I’m up for another spin. Take a listen, for yourself:

Deborah E

Deborah E is a smooth and sultry summer night on Bourbon Street… Classy with a dash of sass… Proof that the jazz greats have not been sacrificed to processed pop. ladyD.info. For more information, including other blogs, visit her main site at deborah.info.