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VICTORY
REVIEW
Volume 25, Number 10, October 2000
By Richard Middleton
Northwest singer-songwriter Tina Lear’s latest release
(The Road Home) is a stunning collection of intricate,
beautiful songs and masterful performances. As a songwriter,
arranger, vocalist, and pianist, Lear’s artistry satisfies on
every level. Her music is equal parts jazz and pop, deceptively
simple on its surface, yet continually unfolding its layers
of melodic and harmonic complexity, shades of subtle meaning,
and shifting instrumental textures.
She’s a gifted singer with a warm, breathy voice, a wide range,
and a natural, unaffected style that always sounds right no
matter what the demands of the song. And there are some great
songs here. My favorite may be “There and Back Again,”
a kind of prayer for and celebration of her grown daughter’s
marriage. The tenderness and bittersweet hope that shines through
this song’s every word and note drew me back for repeated listens,
as did Lear’s lovely piano part and Howard Levy’s sensitive,
soulful harmonica playing.
Other favorites are “The Present,” “Woman to Woman,” “The
Box,” and “Don’t Look Away.” Throughout, Lear’s playing
and arrangements are inspired—whether it’s a tender love song
or big-band romp, she gives each song a musical treatment that
fits and illuminates the words. Mitch Watkins’ excellent
production and guitar work also deserve mentioning.
If there’s any justice in this musical world, this album will
help establish Tina Lear as a major artist on the contemporary
scene. Highly recommended. |
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"She’s a gifted singer
with a warm, breathy voice, a wide range, and a natural, unaffected
style that always sounds right no matter what the demands
of the song."
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