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Just A Little Lovin' - Shelby Lynne
Sunday, April 06, 2008
Who would have thought an album as gorgeous as this could have been inspired by Barry Manilow? By Martin Jones.
SHELBY LYNNE
JUST A LITTLE LOVIN’
Lost Highway/Universal
Who would have thought an album as gorgeous as this could have been inspired by Barry Manilow? Yes, it was he who suggested that the awesome Shelby Lynne should tackle some Dusty Springfield. It was even Barry who suggested producer Phil Ramone for the project. And that suggestion, as it turns out, proved almost as valuable as the first, because this album shimmers with class. It’s not like there was much doubt as to Lynne’s capacity to deliver in the vocals department – though the results must certainly amaze even the most avid Lynne (and Dusty) fans. She treats each song with reverence and maturity in what are surely some her finest vocal performances on record.
But the production and arrangement on the record really lift it onto the top shelf – subtle, unobtrusive playing and instrumentation complement Lynne’s singing beautifully.
Of the Dusty songbook, ‘Just A Little Lovin’’, ‘Anyone Who Had A Heart,’ ‘I Only Want To Be With You,’ ‘The Look Of Love,’ and ‘Breakfast In Bed,’ are standouts, all delivered with cocktail lounge sophistication, but Nashville heart. Interestingly, the album is almost completely devoid of any country-specific tones, the quartet of Greg Field, Dean Parks, Rob Mathes and Kevin Axt favouring a vintage jazz style for most of the record.
A version of Tony Joe White’s ‘Willie And Laura Mae Jones’ – an aural treat – pays direct tribute to what was surely the primary inspiration for this record; the immortal Dusty In Memphis record. Randy Newman’s ‘I Don’t Want To Hear It Anymore’ is also included.
The track selection is augmented by a sole Lynne composition, ‘Pretend,’ composed and delivered to complement the remainder of the album. And closer ‘How Can I Sure’ is the perfect, lingering kiss goodnight.
Slip your tux/cocktail dress over your boots, mix up an extra dry martini, and treat your ears.
Martin Jones