I Love Paris
Blue Canoe, 2021
9/10
A native of Turkey, these days Melbreeze calls Los Angeles home, where she’s been collaborating with a handful of esteemed musicians. Here she debuts her first co-produced album, which stems from jam sessions with Scott Kinsey, as Melbreeze and company rewrite standards in their own inimitable fashion.
“Autumn Leaves” starts the listen with Melbreeze’s unique, expressive vocals alongside bright keys from Scott Kinsey and strategic trumpet from Tim Hagans in the cultured landscape, and “I Fall In Love Too Easily” follows with a playful approach where frisky percussion from Brad Dutz anchors the soulful, jazz influenced atmosphere.
Near the halfway point, “Sentimental Journey” leads with the sound of a train before flowing into a cozy and agile display of soft melodies, plenty of grooves and a bit of seductive quality, while “Don’t Explain” brings upright bass from Tim Lefebvre and bluesy guitar lines from Yotam Silberstein to the album highlight. “My Funny Valentine”, another exceptional track, then offers sublime guitar acrobatics from Josh Smith, as well as paper effects from Dutz to a very inviting interpretation of the classic.
As we approach the end, “What Lola Wants” benefits greatly from Hagans’ brass as vocal scatting and a lush execution unfold, and “Killing Me Softly With His Song” exits the listen with Kensey’s keys front and center as Melbreeze turns in a charming reworking of the timeless finish.
A very diverse collection that makes exquisite use of bossa nova, calypso, and Latin Swing, among many other ideas, Melbreeze brings much universal beauty to songs that we’ve never heard quite this, but will want to hear over and over again.
Travels well with: Sue Maskaleris- Love Is The Key; Wayne Alpern- Jukebox