Susan Werner

I Can't Be New

2004-03-02

Susan Werner makes a foray into original jazz compositions with this, her fourth national release. It's great to see an artist stretch and grow, though the results are somewhat mixed. In many ways, this is a return to an early love for her, since she was playing in a jazz trio prior to beginning her "folk" career (inspired by a Nanci Griffith performance she saw). The voice is still there and her piano playing is outstanding. However, not all the compositions can stand up to the "great American song book", which her publicity material compares this release to. Hyperbole aside, this release does have some great moments, despite the inconsistancies. She's capably aided by Billy Novack, who assists with arrangements, jazz session players John Lockwood (bass) and Brad Hatfield (piano) and Fairport Convention drummer Dave Mattacks.

Quick Links:

More reviews tagged #Jazz

  • reviewed 10/2003

    Geoff Muldaur's Futuristic Ensemble
    Private Astronomy - A Vision of the Music of Bix Beiderbecke

  • reviewed 04/2008

    ADONIS ROSE & THE N.O. VADERS
    Untouchable

  • reviewed 09/2008

    EVA CASSIDY
    – Somewhere

  • reviewed 11/2016

    Kait Dunton & TrioKait
    Casual

  • reviewed 10/2009

    PONCHO SANCHEZ
    PSYCHEDELIC BLUES

  • reviewed 11/2007

    LUCIANA SOUZA
    The New Bossa Nova

Compiled by the WYCE Journalism Club

The opinions expressed in these reviews are those of the individual volunteers that submitted the article and do not necessarily reflect the views of WYCE or GRCMC; nor its staff, donors, or affiliates.