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Kellye Gray: Rendering
Kellye Gray
vocalsb.1954
It takes moxie to display side by side the natural changes in the human voice that evolve over a 26 year career. The good news here is that her 1989 debut is such a strong record in its own right. It isn't so much that she has improved over the years, because she was solid to begin with. What is interesting is the added heft and authority of her voice, the self assured freedom in her approach that only life experience can impart.
In 1989's "Standards in Gray" she recorded the
Billie Holiday
vocals1915 - 1959
There are four other songs that are represented on both discs—
Clare Fischer
piano1928 - 2012
On "Rendering" she keeps the first two tracks down tempo, where she is very secure, phrasing with ease and delivering often heard lyrics like she is the first one who ever uttered the words.
Andre Hayward
tromboneb.1973
She lightens the vibe a bit with
Clare Fischer
piano1928 - 2012
"Out Blows Me," an original by Gray, is a lilting waltz with a pleasing angularity. Halfway through, the phrase "Waiting to be free, waiting for the breeze" goes from brassy to soft, displaying remarkable sonic and emotional control.
"A Time for Love" is done as a duo with
Pamela York
pianoAnother original by Gray, "God You Make Me Wonder," a rolling samba, employs some effective unison vocal and instrumental lines, displaying fine arranging by Gray in tandem with
Wayne Wallace
tromboneb.1952
On "How Long Has This Been Going On?" she has the audacity to speak/sing the phrase "Like I could melt...." It's a choice that feels spontaneous, indicative of the kind of free form expressiveness that enlivens this entire record.
She elevates Jobim's "How Insensitive" with Norman Gimbel's English lyrics from the pretty, pale Chopin inspired lament it so often is, to a soaring indictment, an accusation that is astonishing in its dramatic impact. The raw honesty of her voice is compelling, almost painful at times. It is not surprising that this was not something she was able to achieve at this level when she first recorded it in 1989, although her interpretation succeeded on its own terms then.
Both records close out with "Good Morning Heartache." I hear just a bit of Gray channeling
Billie Holiday
vocals1915 - 1959
Betty Carter
vocals1929 - 1998
This remarkable two disc set shows that
Kellye Gray
vocalsb.1954
Track Listing
Don't Explain (2015); I've Got A Right To Sing The Blues; Morning (2015); Out Blows Me; A Time For Love; God You Make Me Wonder; How Long Has This Been Going On (2015); How Insensitive (2015); Good Morning Heartache (2015); The Island; All Blues; Morning; How Long Has This Been Going On; Don't Explain; Since I Fell For You; How Insensitive; Good Morning Heartache.
Personnel
Kellye Gray
vocalsKellye Gray: voice; Pamela York: piano; David Craig: bass; Sebastian Whittaker: drums; Warren Sneed: saxophone; Andre Hayward: trombone.
Album information
Title: Rendering | Year Released: 2017 | Record Label: Grr8 Records
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