Vocalist Jacqui Naylor has some dreams worth chasing though they’ve taken a while to catch. Why? Her latest release titled Lucky Girl is a project that Naylor’s fans had the honor to vote on and select the songs that would be included on the recording. The result is the 15-track disc that includes nine-original Naylor compositions and finds her deep in six fresh covers of such songs as The Indigo Girl’s inspired “Dreamin’ Prayin’ Wishin’,” “Only Love Can Break Your Heart,” the Gamble/Huff hit made famous by Teddy Pendergrass titled “Close The Door,” and Wes Montgomery’s infused “Sunshine and Rain.”
However, of all the songs included on this recording, her priceless renditions of Roger & Hammerstein’s “Surrey With The Fringe On Top” that she artfully arranged over George Benson’s hit titled “Breezin’,” and her funked-up, Prince-styled, arrangement of “Angel Eyes,” really stand out. Naylor’s seamless arrangements blends so well that you hardly remember the song’s original music. Jacqui Naylor has a great voice that captures multiple ranges, but it’s the alto essence of her beautiful arrangements that can be experienced on “Since I Love You,” “Moon River,” and “Close The Door,” that captivates the listener and makes her a stand-out among her peers.
[sotj]