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 08/2011

    ANGELO MICHAJLOV (Performed by Petra Cernocka and The Karl Vlach Orchestra)
    Saxana

  • reviewed 04/2014

    VINCENT HERRING
    The Uptown Shuffle

  • reviewed 12/2006

    WAX POETIC
    Copenhagen

  • reviewed 11/2011

    MIKE LONGO TRIO + 2
    To My Surprise

  • reviewed 03/2016

    Matt Kane & The Kansas City Generations Sextet
    Acknowledgement

  • reviewed 05/2004

    The Bo-Keys
    The Royal Sessions

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.