Renee Olstead - Renee Olstead Album Review

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Album Review

After a hesitant start,emerging Jazz singer Renee Olstead finally lets rip on knockabout standard Summertime.From then on it's cruise control on a sentimental journey of a superbly arranged covers album.As much as she may not like it,she's probably going to join the ranks of Katie Melua in terms of branding.That's were comparisons end,as her range is much wider and more profound.Vocally she's a lightweight,but don't dismiss her,as she can cut it with the likes of Clare Teal,and show Amy Winehouse the door.Pristine and clear as the driven snow:like a rollercoaster Olstead can rise and fall in an instant.Her male counterpart Michael Buble's similar efforts on This Time sounds the poor relation in every way.Here the chemistry between artist and song is very explosive-in the nicest possible way of course.She can let rip and tone it down like a past master-check her mesmerising duet with singer-songwriter Peter Cincotti on Neil Sedaka's Breaking Up Is Hard To Do.Elsewhere she flirts with the lyrics and the listener e.g A Love That Will Last as she do-wops her heart away.Maria Muldaur's hit Midnight At The Oasis is done as straight cover-spot the difference?Given the right exposure(BBC Radio 2) this sexy young lady could be a huge star.

The singing is as passionate as her red hair-so look out Olstead's gonna grab you quite soon.

Elly Roberts