
Debbie Harwood: Soothe Me
By Peter Dent
We all knew Debbie Harwood was a good pop singer from her work with When the Cat's Away, but did you know that she's a great jazz singer? 'Soothe Me' is Harwood's debut solo album, and what an incredible artist she is. Recorded at Helen Young Studios by Andre Upston, and produced by Harwood herself this is delightful. Pianist/arranger (and NZM columnist) Stephen Small is another unrecognised genius, navigating 11 gorgeous, contemporary arrangements of Second World War Swing charts. His arrangements all fit the genre, with wonderful, supportive piano playing. Guest musicians include drummer Ron Samsom, bassist Darrin Rehu, and the horn section of Neville Grenfell, Mark Dennison, Merv Thomas and Steve Sheriff. Harwood's voice is an incredible mix of the old and the new with traces of Natalie Cole, Billie Holiday and Anita O'Day all evident, as is the inspiration of her father's favourite big band leader, Stan Kenton, who provides the basis for the album. 'Soothe Me' is the perfect gentile accompaniment to a dinner party, or a quiet glass of wine in the sun.
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