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 11/2013

    JAMES BOOKER
    CLASSIFIED REMIXED AND EXPANDED

  • reviewed 12/2010

    MICROSCOPIC SEPTET
    Friday the 13th The Micros Play Monk

  • reviewed 03/2007

    Soweto Kinch
    A Life in the Day of B19: Tales of the Tower Block.

  • reviewed 05/2015

    T-Bird And The Breaks
    Harmonizum

  • reviewed 12/1969

    THE DYNAMITES FEATURING CHARLES WALKER
    KABOOM

  • reviewed 09/2008

    PISTOLERA
    EN ESTE CAMINO

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.