Trudy Kerr

Trudy Kerr is the first singer produced by the British record company Jazzizit, and their lack of experience in producing a vocal album is, regrettably, evident. The producers apparently felt compelled to make Kerr as appealing to as wide an audience as possible, including pop and rock devotees. Perhaps that's the reason why most of the instrumentalists on this album are from the rock and/or pop schools. The result is a case of musical schizophrenia with performances divided into two categories. The first is where Kerr tries to be more than she is and thus her vocalizing seems unnatural and contrived. This category is illustrated by "Just One of Those Things" where the main culprit is the soprano sax of Mornington Lockett, whose solo seems to have no musical objective other to demonstrate his fingering dexterity. "As Long as Your Eyes Are Blue" is an out of place foray into the realm of pop, which doesn't come off well. The second category proves the saving grace of this album. Here Kerr gets the chance to show how good a singer she is, which is quite good. This batch of tunes is typically comprised of offerings where Kerr is provided minimal accompaniment, both in terms of numbers of players and their style. Fortunately, this second set of tunes dominate the proceedings. "My Foolish Heart," "A Touch of Paradise," "Stars in Your Eyes," and Anthony Newley's "There's No Such Thing as Love" are good examples. Also in this classification is a very engaging Kerr duet with the dean of British clarinet players, Acker Bilk, on "I Can't Believe That You're in Love with Me." Bilk also contributes a chorus on his clarinet, with its very recognizable sound. Trudy Kerr has excellent diction, fine phrasing, and a very pleasant singing voice when it is allowed to be used in its natural state. She scats with intelligence and has excellent interpretive instincts. Hopefully, her next album will place grater emphases on these qualities.