Sirens Songs Of The Silver Screen Sirens...Songs Of The Silver Screen CD

When critics analyzed the neo-swing movement of the 1990s, the question on their minds was, "Why a revival of 1940s music, and why now?" Some argued that the movement was part of a revolt against political correctness, while others insisted that '90s youth were yearning for fun, escapist music at a time when a lot of music was angry, angst-ridden, and pessimistic. Another argument asserted that '90s youth were longing for music with some glamour -- if so, Quinn Lemley provides plenty of it on her debut album, Sirens...Songs of the Silver Screen. This cabaret/swing/pop effort is a tribute to the glamour goddesses of Hollywood's classic era, and Lemley has a lot of fun celebrating such stars as Marlene Dietrich, Bette Davis, and Greta Garbo. Lemley acknowledges the wholesome girl-next-door types like Betty Grable and Doris Day, as well as sex sirens like Rita Hayworth (whom she has modeled her redhead vixen image after), Marilyn Monroe, and Julie London, whom she salutes on "Cry Me a River." In contrast to the torchy qualities of London's hit version from 1955, Lemley's approach to the Arthur Hamilton ballad comes across as very tongue in cheek, as does the whole album, in fact. Thankfully, Lemley has a lot of talent to back up her sexy image -- her visit to the '30s, '40s, and '50s is consistently entertaining. ~ Alex Henderson

Va-va-va-voom! Quinn Lemley has reinvented siren seduction and brought it to the level of an art form.And, like a cat on a hot tin roof, she sizzles with her brand of sexy Retropop, reviving Latin and Swing Martini Music in this collection of standrds and original music arranged and/or composed by Bob McDowell.It's exciting, romantic and brimming with provocative appeal by one of today's brightest and fastest rising singers on the swing scene.This sexy vamp sparkles like the finest French champagne on this sophisticated album.If you like these songs, be certain to check out Cocktails with a Twist and Dance or Die also available right here on CD Baby.

Recorded at Kampo Studios, New York, New York in January 1996.

Personnel: Quinn Lemley (vocals); Brian Mitchell (alto saxophone); Bob McDowell (piano); Jim Donica (bass); Marty Beller (drums).