Madeleine Peyroux Dreamland CD

Personnel: Madeleine Peyroux (vocals, guitar); Marc Ribot (acoustic & electric guitars, dobro, banjo); Vernon Reid, Larry Saltzman (electric guitar); Regina Carter (violin); Charlie Giordano (accordion, Hammond B-3 organ, harmonium, harpsichord, Mellotron); James Carter (tenor saxophone, bass clarinet); Marcus Printup (trumpet); Cyrus Chestnut (piano); Steve Kirby (bass); Greg Cohen (bass, bass marimba); Leon Parker (drums, cymbal); Kenny Wollison (drums, cymbals, bass drum, percussion).
Recorded at RPM Studios and Unique Studios, New York, New York.
All tracks have been digitally mastered using HDCD technology.
Personnel: Madeleine Peyroux (vocals, guitar); M.P. (vocals, guitar); Marc Ribot (guitar, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, dobro, banjo); Vernon Reid (guitar, electric guitar); Larry Saltzman (electric guitar); Regina Carter (violin); Charlie Giordano (accordion, harpsichord, harmonium, organ, Mellotron, keyboards); James Carter (bass clarinet, saxophone, tenor saxophone); Marcus Printup (trumpet); Cyrus Chestnut (piano); Greg Cohen (marimba); Kenny Wollesen (drums, bass drum, cymbals, percussion); Leon Parker (drums, cymbals).
Audio Mixer: Michael O'Reilly.
Recording information: East Side Sound Recording Studio, New York, NY; Kampo studios, New York, NY; RPM Sound Studios, New York, NY; RPM Studios, New York, NY; Unique Recording Studio, New York, NY.
Photographer: Daniel Miller.
Arranger: Greg Cohen.
Madeleine Peyroux made a bit of a stir in 1996 due to her voice sounding remarkably close at times to Billie Holiday's. This wide-ranging set features Peyroux singing swing standards, originals and tunes that hint at country and folk music. Her supporting cast, which changes on each selection, includes a restrained James Carter on tenor and bass clarinet, Marc Ribot on dobro and guitar, trumpeter Marcus Printup, pianist Cyrus Chestnut and violinist Regina Carter, among others. A very interesting release which, despite the derivative nature of Peyroux's voice, is full of surprises. Highlights include "Walkin' After Midnight," "I'm Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter," "La Vie en Rose" and "Muddy Water." ~ Scott Yanow
Singer-songwriter Madeleine Peyroux's soulful voice is occupied so palpably by the spirit of Billie Holiday that it's almost scary. Peyroux is certainly influenced by the song and voice of Bessie Smith as well, but she approaches the material on her major-label debut from an entirely modern perspective, with strength and individuality as well as a hint of playfulness, like a stylish young woman looking great in a vintage dress.
Peyroux covers such classics as "Walkin' After Midnight," Edith Piaf's "La Vie En Rose," and Smith's "Reckless Blues" with style and agility, backed by such well-known and expert musicians as jazz pianist Cyrus Chestnut and guitarist Marc Ribot. DREAMLAND is buoyed as well by Peyroux's accomplished original songs, the bluesy vocal-Dobro tunes "Hey Sweet Man" and "Always a Use," and the album's dynamic, hopeful title track, DREAMLAND'S most contemporary and upbeat song.