Blue Light 'Til Dawn immediately impresses as Cassandra Wilson's strongest, most consistent recording. With producer Craig Street, Wilson creates a new environment for her distinctive vocals: acoustic, open, and earthy They've jettisoned keyboards and most horns, opting for bare-bones support from Brandon Ross' blues and classical guitars, African/Brazilian percusson, and a little bass. Street never crowds his singer with frills. Wilson's low, smoky voice predominates as she hovers and swoops, shaping melodies and carrying the songs.
Alongside torch songs, notably a stark "You Don't Know What Love Is," Wilson brings a jazz singer's phrasing and nuance to Robert Johnson tunes, South African harmonies, and folk/ pop material from Van Morrison and Joni Mitchell. She sees beyond distinctions of style and genre, pulling these elements together, emphasizing themes of restlessness and unrequited love.
Brandon Ross doesn't get the attention he deserves playing with Henry Threadgill and Leroy Jenkins, but his versatility and feel for Delta blues are vital. Wilson's approach to Robert Johnson softens the menace of his songs, but preserves the gritty essence. (Cassandra's "Hellhound On My Trail," voiced by Olu Dara's cornet, sounds no more ominous than a schnauzer) Part jazz, part blues, and with a lot of "beyond," Blue Light should win her many new admirers. -- Jon Andrews (Dec. '93)
Source: Down Beat, July 1994 v61 n7 p97(2).
Author: Jon Andrews
COPYRIGHT Maher Publications 1995
