CD REVIEW: BARBARA PORTEUS

If somehow Julie Andrews and Joni Mitchell’s DNA got mixed together and the resulting lady went into the studio in say, the late 60’s or early 70’s, to record a "cabaret" album in the style of the day, it might well have come out something like this. Barbara Porteus’ debut album is a throwback, in a very nice way, to the kind of albums people used to make. Interesting and diverse song choices, fresh arrangements and a lovely voice that is right at home with each of the varied styles of music included here. There are a number of standards

(“Too Close for Comfort,” “I’ve Got the World on a String,” “Just One of Those Things” and a clever and poignant pairing of “I Get Along Without You Very Well" and “Spring Can Really Hang You Up The Most”) in addition to some familiar songs from the Broadway stage (“If I Were A Bell,” “Speak Low”) and a very striking song that I was not familiar with, “A Whole Lotta Sunlight” from the musical Raisin.

Speaking of Joni Mitchell, Ms. Porteus covers two of her compositions, the lesser-known and simply gorgeous “I Had a King” and the more familiar “All I Want,” to nice effect. Barry Levitt’s terrific arrangements add immensely to these two selections, and indeed the album as a whole. The musicians are all excellent but in particular, Mayra Casales lends her always unique percussion to the proceedings and has several stand-out moments along the way. Ms. Porteus does have the crystal soprano of a Julie Andrews, the folk leanings of the Joni Mitchell material and a warm and inviting sound that is really all her own to hold it all together. Best of all, it’s a really pleasant listen to relax to, that neither demands your complete attention (if you want to use it as a backdrop) nor disappoints in the slightest, when it’s the center of attention, playing right in your head, via your earphones. Looking forward to the next go-round with the charming Ms. Porteus!