Renee Geyer – Swing

EMI
April 2013
Reviewed by Shane Pinnegar
7/10

Australia’s heavyweight champion of soulful rock n’ pop is back with an album which does exactly what it says on the tin – SWING!

Comprised of interpretations of classic both from within and without her own catalogue, this is a Big Band album that comprises some schmoove lounge grooves, some swinging blues and always – ALWAYS – Geyer’s soul-drenched vocals.

Fly Me To The Moon is minimalist to the point of aching longing, while Comin’ Home Baby – a duet with Paul Kelly – is a sexy bump n’ grind that’s hard to sit still to as it shimmies and shakes.

Alfie is rendered almost in the style of a 60’s pop ballad, and even another minimalist arrangement can’t take the cha cha cha out of her 80’s hit Say I Love You.

Louis Armstrong’s What A Wonderful World and James Brown’s It’s A Man’s Man’s World – another early hit for Geyer – are perhaps the most striking versions on offer as Geyer puts heart and soul into the vocals, never over-singing, always getting it dead right.

Whilst it’s always great to see Geyer in R&B belter mode, Swing is a bold sideways step for this songstress, and shows a vibrant and impressive side to this uniquely talented lady.

https://www.facebook.com/ReneeGeyerOfficial

http://www.reneegeyer.com.au/

 

Category: CD Reviews