
Tracie de Jong: Turning In
By Pauline Berry
This third album from Tracie de Jong sits in that soft jazz/country category. The opening track Fait Accompli, penned by Luke Hurley is a perfect song, with its lyrical captivation of amour Shawn Colvin could easily sneak this into her set. Window Serenade is a little reminiscent of Moondance, in a light jazzy vein. Catherine glimpses wistful Aimee Mann territory. The title track is delivered in a relaxed jazz/pop style, sounding a bit like the band Beautiful South. The frequent combination of Kieran Martin lyrics and de Jong melodies match perfectly with de Jong's eggshell delicate, intimate vocal style, such as on stand out track Pouring Rain, a dark and poignant ballad. These songs in particular transmit universal themes via charming stories of small town lives and loves, sitting easily alongside Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah, really the only cover. All tracks were recorded in Nashville with American musicians and enjoy top-class, gorgeous guitar work. Several NZ musicians contributed post Nashville and the album was mixed and mastered at Audio Logo in Wellington by Nashville-based Michael Hopkin. Highly recommended.
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