Living for the Stars
Cathy Miller
Sealed with a Kiss Records
1998
13 tracks
Living for the Stars is a strange, eclectic mix of musical genres and styles that somehow works in spite of itself. What is most compelling about this release is not the interesting and well executed musical arrangements or Cathy Miller's singing, but the pervasive sense of humour and compassion.
The publicity for Living for the Stars refers to the music as "swing flavoured folk" but I suspect the definition should be much broader than that. Here are echoes of Peggy Lee's "Fever", Cass Elliot's "Dream a Little Dream of Me", the sort of pop-blues we heard in the Thirties, show-music, swing-jazz, and more. Here are sweet romantic ballads (sometimes with a twist), songs of social conscience, sad reminiscences, and songs that are just plain funny.
Gravediggers everywhere are sure to applaud the sentiments of "God Bless The Backhoe" - that is, after they get up from rolling on the floor laughing. Those interested in Canadian history, or in piquing the collective Canadian conscience, will find food for thought in "Cumberland". Miller's sweet, sensitive interpretation of the old hit "My Funny Valentine" will touch that romantic nerve in each one of us. "Take a Break from Love" takes a different view and is quite funny at times. Miller's "Now There is No Rain" is an especially beautiful love song.
Unlike a traditional folk album, this release features a variety of instruments, including violin, clarinet, cello, accordion, tuba and others, so that it ranges from folkish simplicity through full, complex orchestrations. The accordion especially brings an almost European flavour to the work, while the clarinet at times invokes a sort of klesmer atmosphere. This is also the first release I have seen which gives a credit for laughter (performed by violinist Oliver Schroer).Cathy Miller's "Living for the Stars" is a party in itself, and it's the sort of party we all hope to attend. All in all, it is quite a delightful melange of music and well worth owning.
Cathy Miller has a website for those who are interested in finding out more about her and her work.
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Review Written: October 3, 1999
Page Last modified: February 14, 2004
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