Emilie-Claire Barlow - The Beat Goes On (2010/2014) [Hi-Res]

„The Beat Goes On“ is the eighth album in a recording career that now spans 12 years, and it is a record of which she is justifiably proud. Emilie-Claire Barlow's charm, vocal chops, song selection and great taste in side men allows her concerts to consistently access the elegance of jazz while sweeping away any cobwebs that could cloud a listeners experience of jazz pop today.

The potent combination of well-honed vocal and musical chops and a charming stage presence has earned Emilie-Claire Barlow a size-able and loyal following worldwide.

„With “The Beat Goes On” Toronto-based jazz singer Emilie-Claire Barlow has done what a few wise singers are doing these days, namely looking to more recent eras and songwriters for fresh material rather than the overdone American Songbook. This time out, Barlow has focused her considerable talents and jazz sensibilities on the 60s. The opening track sets the tone for the album as Kelly Jefferson provides nuanced sax fills on a swingy 6/8 version of Bacharach's Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head. Barlow has written all the arrangements herself and the stripped down instrumentation that predominates fits her light, pretty voice like a Pucci print dress. We feel transported to a Yorkville coffeehouse as just bass and congas (Ross MacIntyre and Davide Direnzo) accompany These Boots Were Made for Walkin'. Very groovy. Iconic sounds of the 60s bubble up in the woodwinds on Soul Bossa Nova as it's mashed up with the classic Sonny & Cher title track.“

„An exploration of the 60s wouldn't be complete without a journey to that hotbed of musical innovation, Rio de Janiero, and the cover of O Barquinho (My Little Boat) featuring Reg Schwager’s nylon string guitar skills perfectly evokes a carefree Brazilian day. Barlow’s specialty is bossa nova (do yourself a favour and find her version of O Pato on YouTube) so when she surprisingly imposes that style on Dylan’s Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright it actually works.“ (Cathy Riches, theWholeNote)