LINDA VALORI
DAYS LIKE THIS
RAISIN MUSIC RECORDS RM 1014
DAYS LIKE THIS–PAIN–I IDOLIZE YOU–SO DOGGONE GOOD–MY TURN MY TIME–THE WAY YOU LOVE ME–DON’T GET ME WRONG–JEALOUS KIND–AFTER LAUGHTER–MOVE OVER–I SMELL TROUBLE–IF I CAN’T HAVE YOU
Linda Valori is one of Europe’s most respected female vocalists, having performed for both Pope John Paul and Pope Benedict XVI. Eager to introduce herself to American audiences, she has just released “Days Like This,” twelve tunes recorded in Chicago at the JoyRide Studio, and produced by guitarist Larry Skoller.
These cuts run the gamut from pop standards from established artists, as well as old-school blues done in an R & B-inspired vein. The arrangements are crisp, with the material pretty evenly split, with the horn parts dominating the R & B grooves, and Vincent Bucher’s harp snaking thru the blues cuts.
The backbone of it all, tho, is Linda and her serious vocal abilities. She can reach the high notes with ease, and she has that deep, sultry, resonant growl that plays well within the blues songs.
The set opens with the blue-eyed soul of Van Morrison’s “Days Like This,” and continues with the sly-and-sexy “Your Love Is So Doggone Good.” “My Turn My Time” has Linda’s vocal set over an interesting rhumba beat, while her take on Chrissie Hynde’s “Don’t Get Me Wrong” follows a reggae groove.
You can’t deny her prowess as she easily handles the Joplin classic, “Move Over,” and we loved her deeply-touching take of Bobby Charles’ “The Jealous Kind.” And, the set closes with Linda in a fine duet with Mike Avery on “If I Can’t Have You,” reminiscent of the great Brook Benton and Dinah Washington days.
We had three favorites, too. Mike Wheeler’s stinging leads crackle all over Linda’s down-and-dirty read of “I Smell Trouble,” while she does her best Tina Turner imitation on “I Idolize You” and a swingin’ “The Way You Love Me.”
The rest of the world already knows the power, scope, and range of Linda Valori’s voice, and now it’s our turn here in the States to find out. “Days Like This” is destined to make her an international star! Until next time….Sheryl and Don Crow.
donandsherylsbluesblog 