Going Just To Be Going - Kinzli Album Review
Kinzli - Image: link
Album Review
Polkadot Records have bagged themselves a little gem in Kinzli Coffman.
This vocal equivalent of Antony Hegarty (& The Johnsons) releases her second, and what some might call in the biz, difficult album. No such problems. It’s often hard to find a niche for someone so eclectic. She straddles jazz, folk, country (and shades of gospel) with effortless ease, which can often be a problem for the casual listener. She’s not your Norah Jones or Katie Melua by the way. For starters, her voice is quite unique, with an effective quiver that seems to suit all the material. Somehow you think this collection is far too sophisticated for the casual listener, but don’t let that put you off, as it’s very, very good indeed. It would be sad if someone as talented as Kinzli was overlooked. Her background is complex, which may, in part, account for the vast array of music that makes her a kind of troubadour, which is highly commendable indeed. Her formative years were spent at various orphanages around South Korea. She was adopted by an American family, later settling in London. Many of the songs are sweet with lush melodies and that vibrato cleverly layered over the poetic lyrics. There are extreme moments of delicateness too, especially on the opening track which eventually turns into a neat jazz shuffle with Peter Michaels’ guitar licks and Shabaka Hutchings’s deft sax work. Pushing the boundaries, she goes for a muted Bossa Nova whisk for the cool styled I Wish You Well, with Hutchings again providing some sunny sax. Michaels pops up again for the Spanish guitar intro of the infectious Quiero Bailer (I Want To Dance). Still expanding her repertoire, soft-rocker Casey And Me will hopefully open the door for her as the next single release.
Delicate and stripped back Italy is arguably the jewel in the crown.
Gospel inflected Lonesome Valley, features an a Capella intro, leading to a chunky southern R&B bouncy jaunt. This is one of the best tracks on the album ; a great hook and more sax toppings. A retro 60s acoustic lead I’ll See You This Summer hails from the flower power generation, ( and a great take on Joan Baez by coincidence) is an excellent choice to end a meritorious album.
File under : Cool. Watch this space, for more, and more.
