Joanna Weinberg is the type of artist that drives critics insane. The recording industry has been built on a foundation of self imposed limitations that are commonly referred to as "labels." Weinberg side steps the more traditional label of a jazz singer and moves effortless into the role of artist.
Singer/songwriter Weinberg's The Piano Diaries is an original and highly personal work of what can be considered twelve one act plays within a play. Weinberg weaves captivating and imaginative stories from her own life utilizing comedic satire, irony and tremendous jazz sensibilities in an incredibly imaginative fashion that transcends genre. With The Piano Diaries, the focus becomes the magical lyrical tales that are incredibly accessible yet oddly quirky and eccentric at the same time.
Opening with the punctuated rhythmic hooks of "Freckled Angles" there is an infectious pop jazz goes Broadway feel with a subtle soulful groove that continues directly into "Innocence". An all most old school theatrical tune "The Artists Are Leaving" is as lyrically strong as the instrumentation is organic. "The Winds Of Fear" full of dynamic tension and melancholy adds perfect texture to an incredibly well thought out release. "Beautiful Old Man" with additional harmony vocals along with lyrical soprano saxophone work from Mark Ginsburg tells yet another relateable tale from Weinberg's unique perspective. Whether musical theatre, pop jazz or folk, Weinberg's creativity can not be placed into one safe musical niche. Trying to steer clear of musical frames of reference there is the Norah Jones meets Joni Mitchell on their way to a Broadway show vibe here but the recording is available to be sampled at:
The Piano Diaries is an incredibly engaging work and part of Weinberg's nine one woman shows. An artistic mosaic of a lifetime of experience set to music. The true measure of a singer is the ability to morph into that of story teller. The true measure of an artist is to take the listener to a place they have never been but with a story they are somehow familiar with. Weinberg is an artist. Having reviewed stellar talent from Australia the previous year, Weinberg easily takes her place as one of the finest talents in Australia and should gain an even wider audience here in the United States. Subtle musical nuances run rampant with this recording giving up a little something new of itself with each subsequent spin.
5 stars. As fresh and innovative as they come, highly entertaining!
Tracks: Freckled Angels; Innocence; Daughter Of The Empire; The Artists Are Leaving; Benjamin And Penelope; The Wings Of Fear; Wide Open Eyes; Beautiful Old Man; Witness; Mama Buy Your Baby A Piano; Trophy Wife; The Piano At The Cabaret.
Personnel: Joanna Weinberg: vocals; Rafael Nazario: piano, keyboards, additional instrumentation; Kate Adams: cello; Mark Ginsburg: soprano and tenor saxophones, flute; Martijn Hadders: guitar; Jonathan Zwartz: bass; Simon Fishburn: drums; Blair Greenburg: African drums, percussion.