PEYROUX, MADELEINE

Singer-songwriter Madeleine Peyroux's soulful voice is occupied so palpably by the spirit of Billie Holiday that it's almost scary. Peyroux is certainly influenced by the song and voice of Bessie Smith as well, but she approaches the material on her major-label debut from an entirely modern perspective, with strength and individuality as well as a hint of playfulness, like a stylish young woman looking great in a vintage dress. Peyroux covers such classics as "Walkin' After Midnight," Edith Piaf's "La Vie En Rose," and Smith's "Reckless Blues" with style and agility, backed by such well-known and expert musicians as jazz pianist Cyrus Chestnut and guitarist Marc Ribot. DREAMLAND is buoyed as well by Peyroux's accomplished original songs, the bluesy vocal-Dobro tunes "Hey Sweet Man" and "Always a Use," and the album's dynamic, hopeful title track, DREAMLAND'S most contemporary and upbeat song.

Estimated despatch 5-10 days after ordering.