| Trouw
No fault can be found with 'Round Moonlight', the latest solo CD of American-born singer Deborah J. Carter, now residing in Amsterdam. The recording quality is perfect and the contemporary mainstream ballads all centred around the 'moon' theme are sung very imaginatively.
The straightforward instrumental accompaniment is completely at the service of the rich and full voice of Carter. In a colourful and extremely rhythmic way the singer interprets besides her own compositions repertoire that ranges from John Williams' 'Moonlight' and Michael Franks' 'Monks New Tune' to Sting's 'Sister Moon' and Van Morrison's 'Moondance'.
Carter knows all the facets of moonlight. 'Round Moonlight' has all the magical attraction of a full moon. With a timing and phrasing like that of an instrumentalist, Carter sings not only about the resplendent side, but also of the mysterious side of this ever-inspiring heavenly body.
Goudsche Courant
Deborah J. Carter made with 'Round Moonlight' her most personal CD.
Original choice of pieces that all have something to do with moon, night and of course love. She sings with a strong jazzy phrasing, and reminds sometimes of DeeDee Brigewater, and sometimes of Sarah Vaughn.
Ögreat intensity and driven performance.
A big plus is the open ensemble-sound that she and her surprising subtle and tight basic trio create: no cluttered arrangements, but space for special chord colours, musical poetry and -above all swing.
NRC / Handelsblad
Suitable for lovers of mainstream jazz with powerful vocals.
Zwolsche Courant
Played with love and solid craftsmanship.
She sings relaxed, loosely swinging and with a pinch of latin. And with that unmistakeable feel that is the essence of jazz.
Noordhollands Dagblad
One of the top artists in this country.
Very swinging and beautifully interpreted. There is excitement in the album.
The naturally full voice of Deborah J. Carter
Deborah J Carter 'Round Moonlight'
She was born in the USA, was raised in Hawaii and Japan, and spent considerable time in Spain. This cultural diversity gave the american singer Deborah J Carter the ability to develop her own musical style, which she shows so clearly at her second Solo album "'Round Moonlight".
Her voice is warm, powerful, expressive and not obtrusive. She is easy to listen to. And she has really something to say - the lyrics on this album are, as she herself says, very close to her own experiences. All is related to the Moon and its influence on our physical and spiritual life.
Deborah J Carter is accompanied here by excellent jazz musicians. Especially Coen Molenaar at the piano deserves special attention, because he supports the songs to an essential amount with his extraordinary technique. Also enriching the quartet are bassist Mark Zandveld and drummer Enrique Firpi, who play very well together.
If you want to feel Deborah's fascination, it is best to take a long night full of moonshine to dive into Deborah J Carter's world. |