This is composed, written and sung by the very capable Amanova, a French speaker that prefers to sing in English, and what a superb job she has made of it. Engaging the obvious talents of Arranger and pianist, Philippe Gatto and the sublime solo ability of Saxophonist Dominique Gatto, she has produced a potent yet relaxing, laid back sound with vocals that, if they could be eaten would simply melt in the mouth. There is a consummate and unique style to this single, her first and only to date, and it fills me with hungry anticipation of her next release.
Opening on a serious and very pleasing down beat I am immediately engaged by the outstanding quality of the production. We can thank Studio Platine in Saint-Julien-lès-Metz, France, for a superb listening experience. However, I quickly become aware that the hinge-pin of this entire performance is the vocals. Amanova her self. I have never heard anything like her. Amanova has a effortless, hugely breathy, open, quiet, style that blends seamlessly with the surrounding instruments. In jazz this is the pinnacle of a blues performance in my opinion. The jazz singer's voice is more than a vocal sound it is an instrument in its own right, and to be able to blend so readily yet so distinctively with the rest of the sound is rare in my experience. Her breathy tones are, quite simply, amazing. It seems limitless. It seems impossible for someone to have so much breath, and she is so effortless in her delivery. Easy, assured. It's very attractive and exudes massive sensuality. Couple this to her silky French accent singing her beautifully interpreted French/English lyrics, and we have a cauldron of bubbling sultry, seductive performance that cannot fail but to pin you to your seat and slowly melt you to submission. The music is beautiful, but her voice...! The song has an edge, a secret weapon. Amanova.
This is a first single, from a performer with many years of performing and writing experience, but it could be said that nervousness of the studio experience shows in some small ways. There appears to be some reticence or hesitation in the voice at one or two points, but, I have to say, I could very possibly be wrong. To me, this an unconventional vocalist. She has a wonderful tone and huge breath, as I have mentioned. I like her timing, which on occasion is very slightly off, but nonetheless pleasing, and she seems positively keen to compliment her fellow musicians rather than lead or out perform them. I love listening to this. It is such a complete performance, and this is what leads me to doubt my initial thoughts about reticence and/or hesitation. The more I listen to this, the more I like it. All of it, so-called reticence and hesitation too. So I am left wondering if this is hesitation at all, and not all part of this unique and irresistible Amanova style.
Having spoken with Amanova it is clear that she intends to pursue her approach of singing in English, and I am pleased about this. She manages the American Jazz vocal much more subtly, with a unique flair that is totally compelling. It is a wonderful thing to know that English speakers everywhere are going to get the full benefit of her amazing sound.
She uses her voice as the instrument it is, rather than trying to emulate someone else or create a sound that is familiar and readily acceptable. She is very slightly flat or sharp at times, which again is totally acceptable because of the quality of her voice and her sheer ability to engage her audience. One is gripped and captivated to listen to the beguiling peculiarities of her voice. The way her voice has been recorded, too, is very sympathetic with great balance and sensitivity. I cannot imagine it was easy. She is easily heard but never overpowering. "Power" is a good word here. She appears to have enormous power but never unleashes it. Instead she harnesses it to deliver this deceptively controlled, bewitching performance. She is so understated. Not laid-back, horizontal! As relaxed as a singer can be without stopping singing! Yet her range is wide and her smooth, unflustered pure highs are astounding, sending a chill of delight down the spine. Finally, her fills/adlibs are nicely measured, understated (that word again); just enough, and again, complimentary to the whole composition.
Four superb and very capable sounding musicians make the music. A wonderfully lyrical pianist, a lovely soulful bass, an easy, complimentary, and nicely rhythmic drummer, and an inspired solo sax in the form of Dominique Gatto, seemingly, a force to be reckoned with. The piano is a delight and we are treated to no less than two disarming, pacifying, lilting Sax solos adding lovely ambience and completing an overall great performance.
An excellent piece for a first single, wonderfully understated, completely engaging and beautifully delivered. Accomplished but with an inimitable edge given by this lady's super silky, boundlessly breathy, totally unique voice and style.
Amanova! Remember the name.
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