Swing Out Sister - Private View (Special Souvenir Edition) (2013)

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    Since their first record in 1986, Swing Out Sister have consistently and commendably blended a classic soul bottom with lush, jazzy orchestration—topped with R&B and pop-sensible melodies. Initially formed as a trio, the core unit providing this ideal melange since 1989 has been the duo of vocalist Corinne Drewery and pianist/keyboardist Andy Connell.

    On the group's tenth studio set, Drewery and Connell revisit handpicked selections from their much-loved catalogue—from their debut single (and biggest hit to date), "Breakout," to their internationally popular cover version of "Am I the Same Girl" and fan favorites like "You on My Mind" and "Mama Didn't Raise No Fool"—in new, primarily acoustic, arrangements. Not that their original recordings of these tunes were particularly heavy on electronic and programmed instrumentation; but here, the overall feel is pared-down, allowing sharper focus on the vocals—which just happen to be embellished by some expert musicians.

    Since their first record in 1986, Swing Out Sister have consistently and commendably blended a classic soul bottom with lush, jazzy orchestration—topped with R&B and pop-sensible melodies. Initially formed as a trio, the core unit providing this ideal melange since 1989 has been the duo of vocalist Corinne Drewery and pianist/keyboardist Andy Connell.

    On the group's tenth studio set, Drewery and Connell revisit handpicked selections from their much-loved catalogue—from their debut single (and biggest hit to date), "Breakout," to their internationally popular cover version of "Am I the Same Girl" and fan favorites like "You on My Mind" and "Mama Didn't Raise No Fool"—in new, primarily acoustic, arrangements. Not that their original recordings of these tunes were particularly heavy on electronic and programmed instrumentation; but here, the overall feel is pared-down, allowing sharper focus on the vocals—which just happen to be embellished by some expert musicians.

    S.O.S. don't attempt to replicate the style of their earlier works on Private View. Instead, they take the refreshing approach of changing tempos, revising rhythm patterns, and interspersing influences of different genres. The one exception to this rule is "Am I the Same Girl," a tune with a very varied history, to start with. First released as an instrumental in 1968 by Young-Holt Unlimited (as "Soulful Strut"), it went on to find popularity as a vocal number by Barbara Acklin, and later in a rendition by Dusty Springfield. But it wasn't until 1992 that the lyric-laden version became a large-scale global hit, when S.O.S. released it as a single from their Get in Touch with Yourself CD. That version stuck a vibrant chord with its festive array of horns complementing Drewery's yearning performance. The Private reconfiguring replaces the melodic function of the brass with more mellow guitar strumming; but the ride of the groove and Drewery's delivery still maintains a bright, '70s kinda sway.

    One of the most delightful moments on Private View is the breezy, bossa nova-tinged reconstruction of "Notgonnachange." The gently rolling piano fills, sweet harmonies of Gina Foster and sparkling flugelhorn solo by Noel Langley give a surprisingly calm slant to the tune's matter-of-fact message: "If you walk away, there's no turnin' back." This musical atmosphere provides a compelling contrast to the midtempo, soulful house leanings of the original track. Equally surprising is the downtempo, almost trip-hop-driven remake of "Breakout." Time has been good to Drewery's voice, as evidenced by her smooth-sailing, alluring treatment of the song's gliding melodies. That her high notes sometimes have a deeper edge to them now is not a deterrent, but the opening of a new door. For example, on the new take of the Delfonics' "La La Means I Love You" (previously recorded by S.O.S. for 1994's The Living Return), she makes more of an emotive impact on the timeless verses than the first time around. A seamless and clever arrangement incorporating elements of Marvin Gaye's "What's Goin' On" undoubtedly provides soulful inspiration in the process.

    The only handicap of the U.S. release of Private View is its brevity. In fact, the set was originally birthed as a seven-track EP released independently by S.O.S. in 2010. Inevitable interest from a variety of labels resulted in the addition of several tracks, with a total of 12 selections appearing on last year's Japanese issue by Yamaha Music & Visuals. This new U.S. edition removes two of those cuts ("Love Won't Let You Down" and "Get in Touch with Yourself"), leaving fans desiring just a little bit more of the atmospheric vibes that are built up over the course of eight songs and two interludes. But there's something to be said for an album not being cluttered with too many recordings.

    Furthermore, Shanachie Records has easily made up for what's missing from this CD edition with the inclusion of a bonus live DVD documenting S.O.S.'s 2010 performance at the Billboard Live nightclub in Tokyo. Aptly titled Tokyo Stories, the concert captures Drewery, Connell, and a fine backing ensemble in an atmospheric stage setting. In addition to selections from the Private View CD, the set includes gems such as "Twilight World" (from the band's 1987 debut, It's Better to Travel) and a warmly conceived, almost ethereal rendition of The 5th Dimension's "Stoned Soul Picnic." Throughout the show—which ranges in tone from a rhythmically impromptu, jazzily phrased take on Nat "King" Cole's "Nature Boy" to a picturesque journey through "Alpine Crossing" (originally from 2001's Somewhere Deep in the Night)—Drewery exhibits seemingly effortless command of interpretation, while the musicians flow faultlessly alongside her.

    Rounding out the Private View Special Souvenir Edition is a colorful booklet with insightful commentary by A. Scott Galloway and personal reflections from Drewery on the band's touring experiences. It's a nice complement to the listening and viewing experience. With their musical savvy and stylistic prowess, Swing Out Sister make clear very quickly on Private View (and Tokyo Stories) that they are the real deal. Highly Recommended.

    by Justin Kantor