Cassandra Wilson New Moon Daughter (180G Import Vinyl 2LP)

This is no easy listen...Sparse, complex, often brooding arrangements coupled with Cassandra Wilson's deep, earthy voice and complicated phrasing demand your attention. But...give this album the listening time and space it deserves and you will certainly reap the rewards. Unusual, highly atmospheric tracks that combine superb singing and marvellously 'distant' musical backings to weave real magic.

Cassandra Wilson's own excellent, jazz tinged compositions sit alongside a stunning set of ingenious covers from a highly diverse spectrum of composers. "Last Train To Clarksville" is transformed from a catchy pop song into a stripped-down and genuinely effective jazz vocal work-out. "Harvest Moon" slows down Neil Young's already wistful ballad to an almost painful level and, in so doing, takes it to an even higher level of gentle reflection. 

Hank Williams' "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry" and U2's "Love Is Blindness" are transformed into three in the morning jazz club classics. The vocals and backing to Robert Johnson's "32-20" are simplified to the point where only the essence of the blues is allowed to shine and, Lewis Allan's "Strange Fruit" becomes as desolate and challenging as it's horrific lyrics. Clever, very effective and worth the required effort! 

- Cassandra Wilson (vocals)

- Graham Haynes /  Lawrence 'Butch' Morris (cornet)

- Chris Whitley / Brandon Ross / Kevin Breit (guitar)

- Charlie Burnham (violin)

- Tony Cedras (accordian)

- Gary Breit (organ)

- Lonnie Plaxico / Mark Anthony Peterson  (bass)

- Dougie Bowne (drums, percussion)

- Cyro Baptista (percussion)

LP1

1. Strange Fruit 

2. Love Is Blindness 

3. Solomon Sang

4. Death Letter 

5. Skylark 

6. Find Him 

7. I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry

LP2 

1. Last Train To Clarksville 

2. Until 

3. A Little Warm Death

4. Memphis 

5. Harvest Moon 

6. 32-20