Picture the purple-hued lounge, dark velvet curtains, and candles flickering against the smoky air. Women are wearing broken hearted faces, lipstick and their Sunday best. The men with scotch soaked lips and an unforgiving lust in their eyes. Ah, the mood is set for this night of romance, intrigue and slow dances.

The soundtrack to this fantasy is the new release from 7 Arts Entertainment called ‘Real Divas – Torch Light Vol. 1.

Under the guidance of veteran musician and Jazz leader Bill King, this CD features the cream of Canadian Jazz singers, from Montreal to Vancouver. Each of the 14 tracks is different in style, mood, presentation and definition. Unlike some other compilations featuring Jazz vocals, there is not one cut on Torch Light Vol. 1 that is artificial or typical. Although similarities are expected, there is no Ella, Billie or Peggy; the vocalists showcase their originality and incredible talent without imitation.

The first cut is the sultry Sara Latendresse with a smooth Eva Cassidy tinted ‘Just the Two of Us’. This performance seems effortless, like Sara was born to sing it. Dawn Aitken’s warm and supple voice, provide ‘Until the Real Thing Comes Along’ the charm it deserves. A fresh take on ‘Lush Life’ from Beverley Staunton brings a sweet innocence to this standard. Another example of vocal Jazz at its finest is courtesy of Leah State on ‘Sweet Lorraine’. Perfectly executed and heart breaking, this track will weaken knees and lubricate tear ducts all over the country. Carol Welsman’s ‘Over the Rainbow’ easily rivals that of Garland. The maturity in Carol’s voice brings a new feeling to the song. In addition to the ladies listed above, ‘Real Divas – Torch Light Vol. 1’ features incredible performances from Alex Pangman, Melissa Stylianou, Karin Plato, Emile-Claire Barlow, Kate Hammett-Vaughn, Tammy Weis, Jennifer Ryan and Jennifer Hanson. If space were to permit, I could write volumes on this gorgeous collection and the myriad of feelings that each song can bring the listener. There is a lifetime of experiences portrayed in each song, truly believable performances from every one of the ‘Real Divas’ featured here.

www.7artsmusic.com

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