"Black, White and a Little Bit of Grey" from the album of the same title
What a stunning opener! It puts you in the right mood for an album that keeps getting better and better, and warrants many listens.
Fiona has assembled a group of seasoned jazz players for this third album and they all get to shine along the way, with special mentions to Kris Buzow on saxophone and Gibbi Bettini on guitar. Tasty solos from these two are wisely sprinkled on the album. But there’s no doubt that Fiona’s soprano voice is the center piece more than the cherry on top, her vocal chops are right up there with the best, with her sensual twist and impeccable timing, boy that one can sing!
True that the song-writing and superb production are giving her voice the occasion to wow and charm, like in the more self-introspecting songs. Two of these song’s vocals were actually recorded in a stairwell, and this works beautifully, also giving an idea of how bold Fiona’s production and vision was for this album. Kudos for that!
This first song starts with a simple jazz guitar ternary groove and Fiona’s vocal introduces the entire album’s message: not everything in life is black & white, especially when it comes to love. When the background vocal harmonies are entering with piano/bass/drums you’re swept into this melancholy groove that reaches its bittersweet paroxysm after a bridge and a quiet drop, clever song-writing all the way! The song concludes with Fiona’s message/warning: “There’s always just a little bit of grey”. Classy line and you just want to listen again, but of course there are 10 more amazing songs to listen to.
Verdict: 5/5 beards
Run and buy this amazing album now! It’s burning hot: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/black-white-and-a-little-bit-of-grey/id1299378578?ls=1&app=itunes