Worrisome Heart [Pink Vinyl]

by Melody Gardot

Overview

Melody Gardot's debut recording, released in 2006, came two years after she suffered a near fatal automobile accident, the differently able Gardot triumphing in accomplishing what many others, including her, could only dream of. This project has her singing and playing guitar and a little piano, but more so presenting this project of all original material. Gardot has an interesting personal story, but even more intriguing music that straddles the line between lounge jazz, folk, and cowgirl songs. She's part sophisticated chanteuse, college sophomore, and down-home girl next door. Her innocence, sweetness, and light are very alluring, much like the persona of tragic songbirds Eva Cassidy and Nancy LaMott. Feel empathy for Gardot, but don't patronize her -- she's the real deal much more that many of her over-hyped peers. "Quiet Fire" is definitely her signature tune, as it speaks volumes of where her soul is at, in a jazz/blues mode, yearning for true love. The title track follows a similar tack, a slow, sweet, sentimental slinky blues that will melt your heart. A finger-snapping "Goodnite" leaves you wanting that night to continue, but also exudes a hope that permeates the entire recording. She might be a bit down on men during the nonplussed "All That I Need Is Love," but her subdued optimism glows cool. "Sweet Memory" might possibly parallel Feist or perhaps KT Tunstall in a rural country mode, while "Gone" is clearly folkish, and the slow "Some Lessons" expresses a contemporary Nashville precept. The laid-back music behind Gardot is basically acoustic, incorporating hip jazz instrumentation, especially the trumpet of Patrick Hughes and occasional organ, Wurlitzer, or Fender Rhodes from Joel Bryant, but with twists including violin, lap steel, and Dobro. The concise nature of this recording and these tunes perfectly reflects the realization that life is precious, every moment counts, and satisfaction is fleeting. Likely to be placed in the Norah Jones/Nellie McKay/Madeleine Peyroux pseudo jazz/pop sweepstakes, Gardot offers something decidedly more authentic and genuine. She's one-upped them all out of the gate. ~ Michael G. Nastos

Product Details

Release Date:	12/08/2023
Label:	Decca
UPC:	0602455887146
Rank:	39304

Tracks

1. Worrisome Heart
2. All That I Need Is Love
3. Gone
4. Sweet Memory
5. Some Lessons
6. Quiet Fire
7. One Day
8. Love Me Like A River Does
9. Goodnite
10. Twilight

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Melody Gardot   Primary Artist,Piano,Guitar,Vocals,Vox Organ
Diane Monroe   Violin
Matt Cappy   Trumpet
Kurt Johnston   Dobro
Paul Klinefelter   Bass
Jef Lee Johnson   Guitar
Mike Brenner   Lap Steel Guitar
Joel Bryant   Wurlitzer,Fender Rhodes,Organ (Hammond)
Ken Pendergast   Bass
David Mowry   Dobro
Ron Kerber   Clarinet,Sax (Tenor)
Patrick Hughes   Trumpet
Barney McKenna   Guitar
Charlie Patierno   Drums,Percussion
Stan Slotter   Trumpet

Technical Credits

Bernie Grundman   Mastering
Dave Gerhart   Engineer
Melody Gardot   Design,Composer,Producer,Layout Design,Creative Director
Glenn Barratt   Mixing,Engineer,Producer
Cameron Mizell   Release Coordinator
Jerry Lee Smith   Creative Assistance
Paul Chessell   Design
Shervin Lainez   Photography
John Newcott   Release Coordinator
Lisa Hansen   Release Coordinator