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CD Review: Underwood Uncurling |
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Written by Carmel DeSoto
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Thursday, 17 February 2005 |
Photo by Andrea Canter
 Underwood Uncurling, is the title of Portland based Belinda Underwood's
debut CD. Born to Serena (a jazz pianist) and Don Underwood (a horn
player and inventor of the Underwood acoustic bass pick-up)
improvisation was a part of her daily nourishment. Underwood studied
voice and upright bass at the Jazz School in Berkeley, CA. where she
met bassist, David Friesen, during a workshop, and a mentor
relationship began.
Underwood opens the CD with "Born to Be Blue," a relaxed half-time
swing that compliments Belinda's matter-of-fact Billie Holiday-esque
delivery. Bassist, Phil Baker, presents a soulful solo with great
intonation and skillful execution. Halfway through the release we stop
at Irving Berlin's "How Deep is the Ocean," a cut featuring Underwood
as the vocalist and bassist. Underwood delivers steady and consistent
bass lines to this straight ahead rendition.
A highlight in this release is the emotional Beatle over-toned "Say my
Name." Underwood shows her talent on baritone ukulele with extremely
tender and hypnotic treatments. Her ability to convey raw emotions and
lifelike lyrics further draw you into her unique vibe. Her phrasing
and delivery are emotionally real and many times much more believable
than many of the commercially successful vocalists on the charts.
David Friesen, mentor and fellow bassist along with percussionist Airto
Moreira are featured guests on "Later Baby," "You're
Everything," and "Unspoken Thought." These three selections are
consistently modern and uniquely reminiscent of Chick Corea's "Light as
a Feather" album, featuring Flora Purim.
The release finishes out with "There Will Never be Another You," a duet
with David Friesen (missing from the CD booklet) on bass and Belinda in
her most organic setting yet. The two interact beautifully
creating an intimately raw cut that features Underwood scatting in a
relaxed flowing state of bliss.
Underwood Uncurling is cutting edge modern songwriting, coupled with
uniquely organic vocals and backed by quality musicianship. This is
definitely a release for the listener that enjoys depth and meaning in
their CD collection.
For more information visit visit www.belindaunderwood.com
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