Liner Note for Vocal Point by Anita Wardell
I first met Kelly Dickson at Leeds College of music a few years ago. I remember thinking back then that she had a way of singing that touches one’s soul. Kelly sings with a smile in her voice, warm and inviting and a totally honest approach that makes you feel she is singing just for you!
Most of this album was recorded in New York in late 2003. Kelly is in the company of a fantastic star- studded Rhythm section Tim Harrison-piano, Gene Perla-Bass, John Riley-Drums and George Garzone- Sax. Three of the tracks were recorded in London with Nikki Iles on piano.
Vocal Point, Kelly Dickson’s debut album, is a collection of standards, beautifully arranged and sung. I love the straight eights-latin version of “Close Your Eyes”, then there’s the not –so- often sung, Hoagy Carmichael’s “Baltimore Oriole” which Kelly recorded with wonderful British pianist Nikki Iles. Kelly really shows her Balladeering skills on the Frank Loesser tune “I’ve never been in love before”. It begins with just Tim Harrison and Kelly, tenderly caressing each note as it comes out. George Garzone plays a beautiful solo, making this a very special performance.
Johnny Burke and Jimmy Van Heusen’s, “It could happen to you” starts swinging immediately with Gene Perla and Kelly playing the first chorus together. You can hear the impeccable brush work of John Riley grooving and taking the whole performance up a notch.
Kelly really gets inside a song and tells a story, she has a great sense of swing, check this out on Cole Porter’s “I’ve got you under my skin” together with Nikki’s playing, so fluid and sophisticated, makes this track a gem. In fact the whole album is a Gem!!!
Kelly along with this marvellous group of musicians will give you hours and hours of listening pleasure.
Enjoy!!!!!!! Anita Wardell 4th June 04
Recorded in New York City featuring acclaimed jazz artists:
George Garzone
Tim Harrison
Nikki Iles
Gene Perla
John Riley |
