Record Label:
Self-released
Ivey’s second full-length CD opens with a noirish fanfare, a 10-second trumpet solo by Ephraim Owens, an appropriately dramatic introduction to the ambitious but consistently tuneful music that follows. Drawing from a wide range of styles — rhythm & blues, dub, folk, soul, even old- school rap — Ivey has written 11 diverse and vital songs that are unified by her own craftmanship and the soulful backing of The Finest Kind (Rolf Ordahl on Hammond organ, Ross Alexander on bass, J. J. Johnson on drums). Among the highlights are “Amelia,” inspired by Amelia Earhart, which stacks a melodically understated verse against a chorus with an unforgettable hook; “Go Go Go,” a terrific marriage of blue-eyed soul and hip hop featuring a rap by Mic Flo; and the gorgeous ballad “Little Star,” in which another understated verse blooms into a luminous, wordless chorus. Alexander’s fluid bass and Johnson’s propulsive drumming are mixed forward throughout, producing a bottom-heavy sound and a firm foundation for Ivey’s expressive soprano. While it sometimes feels a bit under-powered, Ivey’s voice can be demure, playful or sultry, and is almost invariably pitch-perfect. These are outstanding songs, played and sung with skill and commitment.
