Tuesday, 3rd December 2002, 4:22pm
An opinion by:
Nette
Songs I Wrote or Wish I Had by Judi Silvano
I'd heard of Judi Silvano as a music educator in the jazz program at Banff, and this is the first time I've heard her sing. She has a youthful exuberance to her singing, and this extends also to some of the songs she has written - I mean, songs she wrote. "Make it a Classic" is an intriguing original that is reflected in her musical style as well - classic, nearly theatrical. Oh, I don't mean actress-y though or insincere in any way. It is her enunciation and loving handling of the lyrics that makes me say that. Oh! A funny thing I noticed. Many of the upbeat tunes have sad lyrics and the ballads have happy ones. All makes for a bittersweet mood. She gives her band lots of space, and situates herself as part of the musical unit. She even manages to make room for organ, not obvious on a vocal album. And her husband Joe Lovano offers some thoughtful solos here, peeking around the corner discreetly. A grrl's gotta have her space too, dontchaknow.
