| Remembering Patsy Cline - Various Artists | |
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Reviewed by Matt Bjorke
In her short time as a recording star, Patsy Cline recorded quality material that stands the test of time. Some would say it's the lyrics but most will say the enchanting quality of Patsy's music was in her vocal style. She was the best female vocalist to ever walk the planet and is the barometer for which all pop/rock and country female vocalists are measured up to.
Since she is such a revered vocalist, it was only natural that there would be a modern tribute album released in her honor. The premise was simple. Take 12 vocalists from Pop, Rock, Country and Jazz and have them interpret Patsy's 12 Greatest Hits. Natalie Cole, Norah Jones, Amy Grant, Diana Krall, Michelle Branch, Lee Ann Womack, k.d. lang, Terri Clark, Rebecca Lynn Howard, Patty Griffin, newcomer Jessi Alexander and Martina McBride are the 12 vocalists.
While country music purists might not like each rendition of Patsy's song, they are all tastefully done. There are a couple of surprises on the album. Amy Grant's cover of "Back in Baby's Arms" was produced by her husband Vince Gill and it is as traditional as a song can get, not something I expected from a Christian pop vocalist. Amy's voice fits the song well.
Jessi Alexander was a MCA Nashville recording artist when she recorded "So Wrong" for this album. With a voice that is closest to Patsy's on this tribute, Jessi has a smoky country voice that is clear and emotive. She hits every note and I have no doubts that she would sound great on a whole album. Sadly, MCA released her from her contract before she could ever release a single or album. Hopefully another label will hear this song and give her the opportunity to release a record for country fans to love.
Terri Clark's "Walkin' After Midnight" is given a bluesy treatment which gives the song some different depth. While bluesy, it is still completely within Terri's style and I have no doubts that Terri is the type of woman who Patsy would love to hang out with were she still alive. Both women do things their own way, consequences or not.
It's a shame that Patty Griffin was never accepted into the country mainstream. She has a voice, like Jessi Alexander, that can faithfully cover "Faded Love" and give it an updated sound without losing the essence that Patsy gave the song all those years ago.
Martina McBride sings "Sweet Dreams Of You" a-capella with the gospel group Take 6 offering up harmony vocals. Martina has a great voice that often is compared with Patsy's for its depth and clarity and offers up the best cover on the CD. I have always liked a-cappella music because it showcases true talent without the need for overdubs or pro tools.
Remembering Patsy Cline is a tasteful tribute to one of the pioneering female vocalists. Patsy was one of the first women to do things her way and live a "rock and roll" life. She may have been on the earth for a short time but her impact is continued to be felt today, some 40 years after her death. Fans of any of the artists on this album and fans of Patsy's music will love this album.
Song List:
- I Fall to Pieces performed by Natalie Cole)
- Why Can't He Be You performed by Norah Jones
- Back in Baby's Arms performed by Amy Grant
- Crazy performed by Diana Krall
- Strange performed by Michelle Branch
- She's Got You performed by Womack, Lee Ann
- Walkin' After Midnight performed by Terri Clark
- You're Stronger Than Me performed by Rebecca Lynn Howard
- Faded Love performed by Patty Griffin
- So Wrong performed by Jessi Alexander
- Sweet Dreams (Of You) performed by Martina McBride / Take 6
Album cover used with permission of MCA Nashville
Audio clips courtesy of Remembering Patsy Cline.
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