SUSAN WERNER

CLASSICS

2009-04-01

This disc finds singer/songwriter Susan Werner mashing pop standards with a variety of strings and classical instruments. However, instead of simply doing string laden versions of the hits, Werner throws in references to classical composers on a number of the cuts: Simon & Garfunkel’s "A Hazy Shade of Winter" gets a snippet of Vivaldi, Stevie Wonder’s "All in Love is Fair" gets Chopin, Cat Steven’s "The Wind" quotes Bach and Bob Marley’s "Waiting in Vain" incorporates Satie. The intention here is to showcase the lyrics with a new musical backdrop so that they can be heard in a whole new light. Whether the result is hip or simply easy listening is subject to debate. Me? I’m looking forward to hearing this in the lobby at my next dental appointment. Smitty