Post Description

Sara Lazarus - Give Me the Simple Life

Year: 2005
Recording Date: Jun 16, 2004-Oct 5, 2004 
Label: Dreyfus Jazz
Genre: Jazz
Total Time: 49:33

Tracks:
01. It's Crazy    [02:34]
02. Once Upon a Summertime    [04:49]
03. Some of My Best Friends Are the Blues    [04:37]
04. Get Out Of Town    [03:57]
05. He Was Too Good To Me    [05:29]
06. Give Me The Simple Life    [03:13]
07. Morning    [03:49]
08. Foolin' Myself    [03:20]
09. I'm Thru With Love    [05:54]
10. This Can't Be Love    [03:111]
11. September Song    [05:19]
12. Smile    [03:16]

Personnel:
Sara Lazarus – Vocal
Alain Jean-Marie – Piano
Gilles Naturel – Bass
Winard Harper (3-5, 9-11), Andrea Michelutti (1, 2, 6-8) – Drums
Bireli Lagrene (3, 10, 12) – Guitar 

AMG review by Paula Edelstein 
Give Me the Simple Life is a 12-track program that clearly sets Sara Lazarus apart from the river of young jazz ingenues currently flooding the American music market. The Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition Jazz Vocals winner makes her debut on the Dreyfus Jazz label accompanied by her core trio of Alain Jean-Marie on piano, Gilles Naturel on bass, and Andrea Michelutti on drums. In addition, Bireli Lagrene and Winard Harper make guest appearances. The theme itself is about love — love lost, love gained, love tried, and deceived. With Lazarus at the helm, the arrangements allow her to flex enough vocal muscle and melodic presence to assure her listeners that she is no fluke. Whether melancholy and sorrowful as heard on "He Was Too Good to Me," or upbeat and happy as heard on "Give Me the Simple Life," Lazarus has a solid foundation and understanding of phrasing, tempo, and the emotional presence to put forth her feelings in an interesting, convincing approach.