Jazzing it up.Private Wars * Zrazy * ALFI This Irish lesbian duo's first two recordings, Give It All Up (1994) and Come Out Everybody (1997), were dance records that mixed techno grooves, Celtic poetry, and big helpings of gay pride. But if you run out to buy Zrazy's new CD, Private Wars, for your next dance bash, you'll be sorely disappointed. Then again, if you're throwing a cocktail party or just planning a romantic evening for two, you wouldn't go wrong with these 13 slices of mellow mel·low adj. mel·low·er, mel·low·est 1. a. Soft, sweet, juicy, and full-flavored because of ripeness: a mellow fruit. b. jazz. Maria Walsh handles vocals, and just because she's Irish doesn't mean she sings with a Celtic brogue. Rather, she sounds like a traditional American jazz chanteuse chan·teuse n. A woman singer, especially a nightclub singer. [French, feminine of chanteur, singer, from chanter, to sing; see chant.] , with excellent phrasing and dynamics that range from an airy alto to a respectable soprano soprano [Ital.,=above], female voice of highest pitch. The three basic types of solo soprano are coloratura, lyric, and dramatic. The coloratura has a great range and impressive vocal agility; the lyric soprano has a light, pretty voice; and the dramatic soprano has . Her Zrazy performing partner (and cowriter--all but two of the tracks are originals) is alto and soprano saxophonist Carole Nelson, who also plays piano on several cuts. An unobtrusive but tasty combo of piano, drums, and bass backs them up. The melodies seem meandering and without strong hooks at first, but they grow on you. Especially strong are "Private Wars," "Fall Until You Fly," and "I Just Like to Drink Alone," the latter of which would have fit perfectly into Billie Holiday's repertoire. Although the last Zrazy album included the gay-prideful title anthem, the lyrics on Private Wars are coy coy adj. coy·er, coy·est 1. Tending to avoid people and social situations; reserved. 2. Affectedly and usually flirtatiously shy or modest. See Synonyms at shy1. 3. about gender. Lesbians are free to draw their own logical conclusions, though, and gay men can just enjoy a sexy, romantic ride. Kort is writing a biography of Laura Nyro Laura Nyro (born Laura Nigro) (October 18, 1947 – April 8, 1997) was an American composer, lyricist, singer and pianist. Her style was a distinctive hybrid of Brill Building-style New York pop, mixed with elements of jazz, gospel, rhythm and blues, show tunes and rock. for St. Martin's St. Martin's or St. Martins may refer to:
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