MonikaBorzym - Girl Talk
2011, Sony Music
Monika Borzym’s heroes have alwaysbeen trumpeters: Miles Davis, Chet Bakerand Terrence Blanchard were her gateway into Jazz. While there, Borzym was captivated by thedivergent voices and styles of performers such as Ella Fitzgerald and CarmenMcRae. The Poland-born crooner studiedin the United States at Miami’s Frost School of Music, furthering her love andknowledge of jazz and classical forms under teachers such as Lisanne Lyons,Larry Lapin, Ira Sullivan and Shelly Berg. During her time at Frost, Borzym met guest lecturer Matt Pierson (JoshuaRedman, Chick Corea, Pat Metheny), who is Borzym’s primary collaborator on herdebut album, Girl Talk.
Borzym opens with a cover ofAmy Winehouse’s "You Know I'm No Good", showing off a sweet andsultry voice that would be right at home in a 1930's gin joint. Monika Borzymdelivers crisp lines with a polished presence that belies her 19 years, and herinstrumental accompaniment is first class. "Extraordinary Machine"finds Borzym taking on a manic, talk-sing lyrical barrage in conjunction with aminimalist arrangement. The result is an intriguing tune that will leave youdizzy yet satisfied. "Even So" stands out from a string of exceptionalperformances, with Borzym imparting a mature presence and seasoned melancholyin dulcet tones that will have you quietly on the edge of your seat.
The opening cadence of"American Boy" (Estelle) carries vague suggestions of Jobim's"Girl From Ipanema". This is no retread, however, as Borzym launchesinto a modern jazz tune that remembers its classic heritage. Borzym digs into a1970's singer/songwriter pastiche for "Field Below", which bears avague musical resemblance to Procol Harum's "Whiter Shade Of Pale".The song is elegant and refined, with a gorgeous melody, and Borzym walks ithome like a pro. “Appletree” (Erykah Badu) shows a more modern, soulful jazz sound.It feels as Borzym is a bit rushed by the arrangement here, but it all worksout well in the end. "Down Here Below" (Abbey Lincoln) is a gorgeous,blue recitative that drips with regret. Borzym's voice is never lovelier,taking on a reserved air that is full of an eloquent and desolate beauty."Gatekeeper" (Feist) is cut from similar cloth, but woven with moresubtlety.
Borzym goes Vegas on "DryCleaner From Des Moines", a frenetic little tune that borders on thevestiges of bebop. "Abololo" (Marisa Monte) slows things down, with atentative piano leading the way for Borzym's lush vocal line. "PossiblyMaybe" (Bjork) is well intended, but becomes something of an undirectedmess in spite of Borzym's attempts to save it. Girl Talk closes on apositive note with an unconventional cover of Pink's "Thank You" thatis true to the original but puts Borzym's distinctive stamp on the song.
Monika Borzym has a captivatingvoice, and a presence that's bewildering in one so young. This is the sort ofalbum you simply can’t put down; Borzym’s call is like that of a gentle Siren,relentlessly pulling you in. GirlTalk is one introduction you won't soon forget, as Borzym appears poised tobecome one of the next big names in vocal jazz.
Rating: 4 Stars (Out of 5)
Please note that the Amazon.com prices listed above are as of the posting date, and may have changed. Wildy's World is not responsible for price changes instituted by Amazon.com.
