Owen, Judith: Somebody's Child

I have to admit easy listening music isn't usually what I listen to but I will make an exception for the latest release by Welsh born pianist/singer-songwriter Judith Owen and her latest album titled Somebody's Child. She has released quite a few albums since the '90s, I believe she has around ten discs overall. Her last was titled Ebb & Flow released in 2014.

On her new disc she has some fine musicians backing her like L.A. session musicians Leland Sklar (bass), Waddy Wachtel (guitar) and Russell Kunkel (drums) and British based players Pedro Segundo (percussion) and Gabriella Swallow (cello).

If you are into singer/songwriter albums this is a good one with nods to the '60s and '70s so there is certainly an element of nostalgia at play. Some lovely melodies abound like the piano and vocals on the title track, a thoughtful song devoted to the inclusion of those less fortunate. The vibe is more robust with the pleasing bounce of "Send Me A Line", a pleasing little pop song with catchy vocals especially during the chorus. The spacious heartfelt ballad "Mystery" is a really beautiful number as is the sultry ditty "Arianne", with its bouncy bass line and piano.

One of the more curious offerings is Owen's remake of Roxy Music's "More Than This", turning it upside down into a more jazzy affair. It is interesting to note this version was actually recorded in Ferry's London studio on his piano. Another curiosity is the jazz remake of "Aquarius", originally from the rock musical "Hair". It's a fine reworking featuring lively piano lines, underlying Wurlitzer and a jaunty rhythm section.

Although Somebody's Child is far removed from my comfort zone it wasn't hard to appreciate the passion and professionalism that went into it.

Track Listing:
1. Somebody's Child (3:16)
2. Send Me A Line (3:09)
3. Mystery (2:42)
4. Tell All Your Children (2:55)
5. We Give In (2:42)
6. No More Goodbyes (3:33)
7. Arianne (3:33)
8. More Than This (3:46)
9. That's Why I Love My Baby (2:33)
10. I Know Why The Sun Shines (4:25)
11. Josephine (3:04)
12. Aquarius (3:58)
13. The Rain Is Gonna Fall (3:34)
Bonus Tracks
14. Row & Row (2:22)
15. Shiny Houses (3:53)

Added: May 8th 2017
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Artist's Official Site
Hits: 1752
Language: english

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