Lisa McCormick,
Mystery Girl
(Ruthie's Noise, 2003)

This is an album for the laidback lover of sweet sounds. Earlier releases were in a folk genre, but Lisa has turned her warm sultry voice to the sensual sounds of jazz on this release.

Whether singing in English, as on the opening and title track, or drawing us into the beautiful "Toda Una Vida," Lisa will have you melting in her vocal grasp. The saxophone sets the tone on "Who Is Making Love?" and leads us beautifully into Lisa's seductive rendition of her own composition.

Listen closely to "Ninety-Eight Point Six Times Two." She uses a mathematical system to bring us a witty love story. The clue is in the body temperature and the multiplication. I really enjoy a writer who is not afraid to stretch the mind.

What is your most likely memory of combining jazz and Latin music? On "Fringe Behaviour" Lisa uses that almost primeval connection to "The Girl from Ipanema" and blends her into a song that has her "still walking down the street and everyone she passes still goes ahhh."

Lisa uses the sensuality of the Spanish tongue to great effect on a number of tracks, none so effectively as on "Odiame."

This CD should have a parental warning -- not because of any crude or rude language but because it is a seductive, sensual collection of songs that will mellow the most unromantic heart. Put it on the player, open a bottle of good wine and if possible share it with your nearest and dearest.

- Rambles
written by Nicky Rossiter
published 5 June 2004

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