Those of us of a certain age who cope with contemporary stress by keeping SiriusXM’s 70s on 7 like a 24/7 IV drip know the enduring, soul soothing value of classics from that era. Those of us whose musical Venn Diagram includes a cross-section of this nostalgia and jazz will always be eternally grateful for the vision and creative commitment of veteran Chicago based jazz singer Elaine Dame, whose aptly titled third album Reminiscing is not just a collection of re-imaginings but a fanciful life-giving/affirming affair of the heart.
Though she grew up on many of the songs she immerses and refashions here, Dame is most excited about the challenge of getting out of her comfort zone and showcasing her astounding vocal and emotional range with the kick ass support of the Windy City’s Finest – including Tom Vaitsas (piano, organ, Fender Rhodes), saxophonist (and co-arranger) Chris Madsen, guitarist Neal Alger and trumpeters Art Davis and Victor Garcia. 70’s Top 40 fans will dig her spirited yet sensitive approach to many still-famous tunes, from the silky, bossa caress of the title track through the sultry torchiness she weaves with Donna Summer’s “Last Dance” and the funked out closing romp of Pablo Cruise’s “Love Will Find A Way.”
Her sexy, simmering and expansive roll through “Midnight at the Oasis” is another highlight that also brings out the deeper emotions of the tune. Yet the deeper magic on Reminiscing comes not from these reworked gems – or the fresh dynamics she brings to R&B classics from Rufus (“Tell Me Something Good”) and Bill Withers (“Use Me”).
It’s turning an obscure non-hit from Heart’s debut album (“Sing Child”) into a dream-funk anti-sexism anthem and finding fresh heartbreak in a beautiful ballad (“Nothing Seems to Matter”) from Bonnie Raitt’s sophomore release. Here’s hoping Elaine Dame reboards the love train soon and shares more 70’s glory in the future!
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