Laura Hull – Hullabaloo (CD)

 

Sound: B     Music: B-

 

 

Unlike most of the dozens of Jazz vocalists we have heard recently, Laura Hull co-produces her music.  However, her new album Hullabaloo (2006) is composed of all new materials.  No remakes, covers or even aspirations to Jazz of the past.  Those tracks are:

 

1. Spell Remains
2. Crescent Moon
3. It's Only Me
4. Being By Myself
5. Without A Word
6. Spin I’m In
7. Distant Shores
8. Reckless Heart
9. October Blue
10.  Vacancy In My Heart
11.  Living Out Loud

 

 

Though that is comparatively ambitious to other recent (and indie) projects, the results are not always successful, though Miss Hull can obviously sing.  It is good, but not always memorable.  It is professional, but not always consistent.  You can go to www.LauraHull.com for more details and sound clips to hear for yourself, to which this critic can say is worth the time if you like such music.

 

The PCM 2.0 16bit/44.1kHz Stereo sound is good and clear, typical of a Jazz vocal CD, but it does not offer much more beyond that.  She co-produced and features her vocals prominently.  This cannot be faulted technically.

 

 

-   Nicholas Sheffo