Carol Welsman
Carol Welsman
(Justin Time – 2007)
by Paula Edelstein
“Carol Welsman” is a powerful yet accessible work by a much-admired musician whose time has come. It features thoughtfully chosen material, beautifully recorded and lovingly mixed (by Joe Vannelli, who also mastered), performed by a small core group of professionals. The result is an honest statement from an artist who is as strong in a live setting as she is on record. That artist – and that recording – is Carol Welsman. Welsman has chosen material which showcases her myriad talents to great effect. Fluent in several languages, Welsman literally crosses the globe on this engaging recording, from Brazil to Cuba, and from Spain to Canada, America and beyond, without ever once losing sight of her own voice.
Without exaggeration, every track exudes confidence and the pure joy of making music with the ideal group of musicians. Welsman’s seemingly effortless command of the material is clear from the first track, “Brazasia,” a paean to an exotic locale and to a lover. Cuban-born drummer Jimmy Branly propels the song into an irresistible groove that never lets up. “Hold Me”, a song co-written by Welsman and John Acosta, is heard next in a completely new version, with a tempo that lets Carol deliver a heartfelt vocal that serves the song beautifully, and is complemented by some gorgeous alto sax courtesy of Eric Marienthal.
“Dans Cette Chambre” marks the first time a French language adaptation has been created and recorded of Gordon Lightfoot’s classic “Beautiful,” a song steeped in Canadian history. These three songs only represent what a great listen you’re in for when you play CAROL WELSMAN. Of the 13 tracks, you are sure to “Live To Tell” your friends of the wonderful set she sings on her debut for Justin Time records.
Reprinted with permission of…
