STYLE: R&B RATING OUR PRODUCT CODE: 156311-22997 LABEL: Syco 888750533425 FORMAT: CD Album ITEMS: 1
Reviewed by Lins Honeyman
Over the last few years, UK hitmaker Rebecca Ferguson has bucked the trend of flash-in-the-pan careers associated with X Factor finalists by carving out a niche for herself on account of her considerable vocal talents and musicality. Both these qualities are reflected in this stunning collection of Billie Holiday-associated tracks that, thanks in part to Ferguson's talents as an artist and producer Troy Miller's faithful handling of the arrangements, are both respectful to the originals whilst offering up something new to help keep the flame alive. Kicking off with an infectious version of the Arlen/Koehler quasi-gospel song "Get Happy", it's clear from the offset that Ferguson has what it takes to breathe new life into timeless songs such as "Blue Moon" and "Stormy Weather" whilst her voice on Gershwin's "Summertime" and "Embraceable You" is simply out of this world. Impressively, it's in more familiar Billie Holiday territory that Ferguson really proves her salt with her faithful yet innovative versions of "God Bless The Child" and the title track capturing Lady Day's fragile power to great effect - something that in turn allows Ferguson to bravely finish this stunning release with the famously candid "My Man".
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