Dave's
True Story
Unauthorized
Unauthorized (Chesky), the third album by Dave's True Story,
is lounge in the truest sense of the word: music that evokes a
mood, adding to the surrounding ambiance without dominating the
senses. It enhances the environment while at the same time blending
seamlessly, the way spices do when properly used in cooking.
Or
course, this isn't to say that the music is not engaging. Dave's
True Story do what they do very well. Singer Kelly Flintwho
draws inspiration from the likes of Keely Smith and LuLuhas
a light, smooth voice the seduces the listener, gliding through
the cheerful melodies penned by her partner, Dave Cantor. The
horn work on songs like "Dear Miss Lucy" and "Baby
Who Are You?" is prominent but never overpowers, and the
playful strum of the guitar sounds almost like a ukulele, evoking
thoughts of hula girls and palm fronds blowing in the breeze.
What's more, Cantor has not only mastered the art or writing exceptional
lounge tunes, but also offers up delightfully clever lyrics. A
personal favorite is "Won Gon Ju," in which Flint croons,
"Won Gon Ju came by way of Singapore to old New York/He dines
on matzoh balls and moo shu pork/He eats his dumplings with a
knife and fork. Won Gon Ju, he likes the derma and the wonton
too/I doubt there's ever been a Don Juan who/could break a women's
heart like Won Gon Ju."
Most
of the 13 original tracks are smooth and slow, though there are
a few slightly uptempo numbers. As a whole, Unauthorized is
to the ears what a good martini is to the palate. But because
lounge is inherently about creating a comfortable retro mood,
you won't find any particularly danceable cuts or songs that make
you want to sing along. It's the easiest kind of east listening.
What you will find are melodies that make your Manhattan taste
sweeter, and lyrics that ass just the right bitter edge.
Visit
the band online at www.davestruestory.com
Joanne
O'Day
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