Cherry pick for best results. In other words there are some great moments here but the whole thing doesn’t quite hang together as choices are so varied. But to admirers of adventurous Germany born singer Theo Bleckmann – me included – that observation won’t matter too much. But yes to the pleasurable version of Sheila Jordan’s ‘The Crossing’. Jordan died in August aged 96.
Named after a Kate Bush song the producer of this 2024 recorded studio album is drummer Ulysses Owens Jr known for his work with Christian McBride. Bleckmann’s voice makes me think of Rufus Wainwright’s in a few places and dominates. But beyond voice I like pianist Mike King’s role on the record particularly on ‘I Feel Real’ and ‘Mighty Real’ which it acts as an introduction to.
‘Teardrop’ here has been done a bit too much in recent years. But a better choice is Frank Ocean’s ‘Solo’ and Janis Ian’s ‘Stars’. There is a lot of width, maybe too much, with Purcell, The Beatles, sacred music and more among the choices.
Timo Vollbrecht’s sax soloing on a very exploratory take on The Beatles Help! Dylan-esque song ‘You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away’ stands out. Of the Kate Bush material I liked ‘Bertie’ best where there’s interesting guitar accompaniment from Ben Monder.
I don’t know many covers of Labi Siffre’s ‘Crying, Laughing, Loving, Lying’ from the 1970s apart from Olivia Newton John‘s and Rod Stewart‘s and again that’s one to cherry pick ruthlessly for priority play. Bleckmann’s goes to the heart of the matter far better than either.
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