Peisha McPhee Out Of The Blue CD

Ms.McPhee is an extra ordinary talent. She brings passion to many of the songs, especially Harold Arlen's Ill Wind - and I most enjoyed her a cappella rendition of Rodgers and Hart's Isn't It Romantic.We discover a lonely woman remembering her lost childhood as she sings the Rodgers and Hart standard Little Girl Blue.She hopelessly tries to face her demons with the Arlen/Koehler lament Ill Wind.Sunlight and hope slowly enter her heart as she lifts her spirit with the immortal Who Can I Turn To? from "The Roar of the Greasepaint, The Smell of the Crowd."Three well-known love ballads comprise the scenario about the man of her dreams: The Man I Love, More Than You Know, and The More I See You.An accapella version of Isn't It Romantic? Gives a lively impression of a girl's glee club having fun.A sensual rendering of But Beautiful and All of You reveals the truly passionate nature of the woman, as she finds romance and fulfillment.The endearing Sun and Moon from Miss Saigon is the tender manner in which the woman expresses her dedication to the lover. A lullaby for two young girls is sung plaintively. As a tribute to George Gershwin, she sings Out Love Is Here To Stay. A rhapsodic message To Dream Again reaffirms the power of her love. And the final song of this musical journey is the glorious I'm Flying from Peter Pan.

Personnel: Peisha McPhee (vocals); Mel Dangcil (piano).
Recorded at Mad Hatter Studios, Los Angeles, California. Includes liner notes by Peisha McPhee and Mel Dangcil.
When one applies for a job, sometimes the response is that you're overqualified. The same may be the case for Peisha McPhee. Her classically trained, strong, clear voice of operatic proportions doesn't always fit well with the songs on the play list, songs that require somewhat more vocal dynamics than McPhee gives. Trying hard as she can to restrain her powerful voice, she comes on too strong for such pop material as "Ill Wind" and "Little Girl Blue," which require greater subtlety than McPhee provides. At the same time, her voice and demeanor go well with songs that have a strong emotional tug, such as "Who Can I Turn To?" There's also a cleverly contrived dubbed a cappella duet on "Isn't It Romantic." But her forte is in the Gershwin material. "The Man I Love" and the Gershwin medley require the dramatic reading that a formidable voice like McPhee's can give them. Her sole accompaniment for this session is pianist, composer, and voice teacherMel Dangcil. Usually the concern is that the piano player may overwhelm the singer. Not the case here. Dangcil has to work hard not be swamped by the strong voice of McPhee. The result is that matters sometimes get a bit busy. McPhee needs more than just a piano to provide an adequate framework for her exceptional voice. For the pure pleasure of hearing a lovely voice, this album is recommended. ~ Dave Nathan