![cafe naturale [import]](http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B000286Q26.01.MZZZZZZZ.jpg)
| 1. All I Need |
| 2. Early Morning Rain |
| 3. Love & Happiness |
| 4. This Time |
| 5. Short Note |
| 6. Slave |
| 7. All That It Takes |
| 8. Moon Beneath My Feet |
| 9. Kiss To Build A Dream On |
| 10. One |
| 11. Protection |
| 12. Wing & The Wheel |
Editorial Reviews
Product Description
The Australian adult alternative singer/songwriter's sixth studio album. BMG. 2004.
In today's parlous pop music where tedium seems to be its middle name, Wendy Matthews' sixth studio album is a breath of fresh air. To say the least "Café Naturale," an album of covers, is unique in its song selection. Who would have thought consonant on one album could be a cross pollination of avant-garde rock (Grateful Dead, Matt Finish & U2), New Age electronica (Olive, Massive Attack), jazzy American standards (Oscar Hammerstein), soulful classic R&B (Womack & Womack & Al Green) and country tinged Americana (Nanci Griffith & Gordon Lightfoot)?
Deconstructed from their original arrangements by Matthews and producer Michael Szuowski, these covers were then adorned with an acoustic arrangement augmented by Matthews' trademark sonorous alto making them sound like Wendy Matthews' originals. As a multi-platinum Australian artist who has cut her teeth on adult contemporary slanted pop classics like "Let's Kiss (Like Angels Do)," "The Day You Went Away," "Token Angels" and "I've Got to Have You" it is encouraging to see her expand her repertoire to include such a diverse cross-genre covers.
From the tingling of the first few piano notes of "All I Need," you know you are in for a great listening euphoria. Like the sonic cousin of Norah Jones, Matthews reaches into her soul to articulate her deepest wants on this jazzy ballad. Of these 12 covers, Oscar Hammerstein's "A Kiss to Build a Dream On" perhaps is the most widely recorded. Here accompanied in parts only by a guitar, the spotlight is deftly on Matthews' engaging vocals exuding an intimate and romantic vibe. While Al Green's evergreen "Love and Happiness" is given a New Orleans' bluesy makeover. With Matthews' engaging performance, you might have mistaken her as a resident of Bourbon Street. Equally ear grabbing and careened with a childlike innocence is Matthews' performance of the lullaby "Moon Beneath My Feet."
Interestingly, U2's religious and social sensitive "One" is given such a stripped down "natural" feel that you would not have guess the group who rock stadiums once recorded it. The same goes with "This Time," a track written and once performed by British dance duo Olive. Though not as poignant as "One," it's passable. Similarly, I am not too keen on Australian rocker Matt Finish's "Short Note." Despite its title, the song just drags on and on.
Even more unlikely cover is Nanci Griffith's underrated "The Wing and the Wheel." Somehow a dark plaintive narrative that ends with a spark of optimism, it is indeed a nifty cover as Matthews gave this ballad a sensitive and thoughtful read. Canadian singer-songwriter Gordon Lightfoot's "Early Morning Rain," also covered by the Grateful Dead, is one of music's most truthful exposition of loneliness. Despair had never been more eloquently phrased: "On In the early morning rain with a dollar in my hand/ With an aching in my heart and a pocket full of sand/I'm a long way from home and I miss my loved one so/In the early morning rain with no place to go."
Though debility earmarked a couple of songs, "Café Naturale" offers a distinctive taste that few can imitate. Its recipe resides in its diverse song selection and its unique acoustic production. "Café Naturale" is truly a desirable and tasty treat from one of Australia's most sought after chanteuse.
In today's parlous pop music where tedium seems to be its middle name, Wendy Matthews' sixth studio album is a breath of fresh air. To say the least "Café Naturale," an album of covers, is unique in its song selection. Who would have thought consonant on one album could be a cross pollination of avant-garde rock (Grateful Dead, Matt Finish & U2), New Age electronica (Olive, Massive Attack), jazzy American standards (Oscar Hammerstein), soulful classic R&B (Womack & Womack & Al Green) and country tinged Americana (Nanci Griffith & Gordon Lightfoot)?
Deconstructed from their original arrangements by Matthews and producer Michael Szuowski, these covers were then adorned with an acoustic arrangement augmented by Matthews' trademark sonorous alto making them sound like Wendy Matthews' originals. As a multi-platinum Australian artist who has cut her teeth on adult contemporary slanted pop classics like "Let's Kiss (Like Angels Do)," "The Day You Went Away," "Token Angels" and "I've Got to Have You" it is encouraging to see her expand her repertoire to include such a diverse cross-genre covers.
From the tingling of the first few piano notes of "All I Need," you know you are in for a great listening euphoria. Like the sonic cousin of Norah Jones, Matthews reaches into her soul to articulate her deepest wants on this jazzy ballad. Of these 12 covers, Oscar Hammerstein's "A Kiss to Build a Dream On" perhaps is the most widely recorded. Here accompanied in parts only by a guitar, the spotlight is deftly on Matthews' engaging vocals exuding an intimate and romantic vibe. While Al Green's evergreen "Love and Happiness" is given a New Orleans' bluesy makeover. With Matthews' engaging performance, you might have mistaken her as a resident of Bourbon Street. Equally ear grabbing and careened with a childlike innocence is Matthews' performance of the lullaby "Moon Beneath My Feet."
Interestingly, U2's religious and social sensitive "One" is given such a stripped down "natural" feel that you would not have guess the group who rock stadiums once recorded it. The same goes with "This Time," a track written and once performed by British dance duo Olive. Though not as poignant as "One," it's passable. Similarly, I am not too keen on Australian rocker Matt Finish's "Short Note." Despite its title, the song just drags on and on.
Even more unlikely cover is Nanci Griffith's underrated "The Wing and the Wheel." Somehow a dark plaintive narrative that ends with a spark of optimism, it is indeed a nifty cover as Matthews gave this ballad a sensitive and thoughtful read. Canadian singer-songwriter Gordon Lightfoot's "Early Morning Rain," also covered by the Grateful Dead, is one of music's most truthful exposition of loneliness. Despair had never been more eloquently phrased: "On In the early morning rain with a dollar in my hand/ With an aching in my heart and a pocket full of sand/I'm a long way from home and I miss my loved one so/In the early morning rain with no place to go."
Though debility earmarked a couple of songs, "Café Naturale" offers a distinctive taste that few can imitate. Its recipe resides in its diverse song selection and its unique acoustic production. "Café Naturale" is truly a desirable and tasty treat from one of Australia's most sought after chanteuse.
The Australian adult alternative singer/songwriter's sixth studio album. BMG. 2004.
Cafe Naturale,Wendy Matthews,Bmg,Pop,Rock/Pop
Average customer rating: 
|
Cafe Naturale
Wendy Matthews Manufacturer: Bmg ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD  General
| Rock
| Styles
| Music
Pop Rock
| Pop
| Styles
| Music
Rock
| Imports
| Stores
| Music
ASIN: B000286Q26 Release Date: 2004-06-07 |
Tracks:
- All I Need
- Early Morning Rain
- Love & Happiness
- This Time
- Short Note
- Slave
- All That It Takes
- Moon Beneath My Feet
- Kiss To Build A Dream On
- One
- Protection
- Wing & The Wheel
Album Description
The Australian adult alternative singer/songwriter's sixth studio album. BMG. 2004.Customer Reviews:
"Cafe" Offers Blended Music in A Naturalistic Setting.......2004-12-15
In today's parlous pop music where tedium seems to be its middle name, Wendy Matthews' sixth studio album is a breath of fresh air. To say the least "Café Naturale," an album of covers, is unique in its song selection. Who would have thought consonant on one album could be a cross pollination of avant-garde rock (Grateful Dead, Matt Finish & U2), New Age electronica (Olive, Massive Attack), jazzy American standards (Oscar Hammerstein), soulful classic R&B (Womack & Womack & Al Green) and country tinged Americana (Nanci Griffith & Gordon Lightfoot)?
Deconstructed from their original arrangements by Matthews and producer Michael Szuowski, these covers were then adorned with an acoustic arrangement augmented by Matthews' trademark sonorous alto making them sound like Wendy Matthews' originals. As a multi-platinum Australian artist who has cut her teeth on adult contemporary slanted pop classics like "Let's Kiss (Like Angels Do)," "The Day You Went Away," "Token Angels" and "I've Got to Have You" it is encouraging to see her expand her repertoire to include such a diverse cross-genre covers.
From the tingling of the first few piano notes of "All I Need," you know you are in for a great listening euphoria. Like the sonic cousin of Norah Jones, Matthews reaches into her soul to articulate her deepest wants on this jazzy ballad. Of these 12 covers, Oscar Hammerstein's "A Kiss to Build a Dream On" perhaps is the most widely recorded. Here accompanied in parts only by a guitar, the spotlight is deftly on Matthews' engaging vocals exuding an intimate and romantic vibe. While Al Green's evergreen "Love and Happiness" is given a New Orleans' bluesy makeover. With Matthews' engaging performance, you might have mistaken her as a resident of Bourbon Street. Equally ear grabbing and careened with a childlike innocence is Matthews' performance of the lullaby "Moon Beneath My Feet."
Interestingly, U2's religious and social sensitive "One" is given such a stripped down "natural" feel that you would not have guess the group who rock stadiums once recorded it. The same goes with "This Time," a track written and once performed by British dance duo Olive. Though not as poignant as "One," it's passable. Similarly, I am not too keen on Australian rocker Matt Finish's "Short Note." Despite its title, the song just drags on and on.
Even more unlikely cover is Nanci Griffith's underrated "The Wing and the Wheel." Somehow a dark plaintive narrative that ends with a spark of optimism, it is indeed a nifty cover as Matthews gave this ballad a sensitive and thoughtful read. Canadian singer-songwriter Gordon Lightfoot's "Early Morning Rain," also covered by the Grateful Dead, is one of music's most truthful exposition of loneliness. Despair had never been more eloquently phrased: "On In the early morning rain with a dollar in my hand/ With an aching in my heart and a pocket full of sand/I'm a long way from home and I miss my loved one so/In the early morning rain with no place to go."
Though debility earmarked a couple of songs, "Café Naturale" offers a distinctive taste that few can imitate. Its recipe resides in its diverse song selection and its unique acoustic production. "Café Naturale" is truly a desirable and tasty treat from one of Australia's most sought after chanteuse.
Average customer rating:
|
Cafe Naturale
Wendy Matthews Manufacturer: Bmg ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General
| Rock
| Styles
| Music
Pop Rock
| Pop
| Styles
| Music
Rock
| Imports
| Stores
| Music
ASIN: B000286Q1W Release Date: 2004-06-01 |
Tracks:
- All I Need
- Early Morning Rain
- Love & Happiness
- This Time
- Short Note
- Slave
- All That It Takes
- Moon Beneath My Feet
- Kiss To Build A Dream On
- One
- Protection
- Wing & The Wheel
Album Description
Australia exclusive sixth album for the critically acclaimed & versatile vocalist features an eclectic set of songs from some of music's most influential recording artists including U2, Womack & Womack, Massive Attack, & Air, all recorded acoustically. LiCustomer Reviews:
"Cafe" Offers Songs in A Naturalistic Setting.......2004-12-15
In today's parlous pop music where tedium seems to be its middle name, Wendy Matthews' sixth studio album is a breath of fresh air. To say the least "Café Naturale," an album of covers, is unique in its song selection. Who would have thought consonant on one album could be a cross pollination of avant-garde rock (Grateful Dead, Matt Finish & U2), New Age electronica (Olive, Massive Attack), jazzy American standards (Oscar Hammerstein), soulful classic R&B (Womack & Womack & Al Green) and country tinged Americana (Nanci Griffith & Gordon Lightfoot)?
Deconstructed from their original arrangements by Matthews and producer Michael Szuowski, these covers were then adorned with an acoustic arrangement augmented by Matthews' trademark sonorous alto making them sound like Wendy Matthews' originals. As a multi-platinum Australian artist who has cut her teeth on adult contemporary slanted pop classics like "Let's Kiss (Like Angels Do)," "The Day You Went Away," "Token Angels" and "I've Got to Have You" it is encouraging to see her expand her repertoire to include such a diverse cross-genre covers.
From the tingling of the first few piano notes of "All I Need," you know you are in for a great listening euphoria. Like the sonic cousin of Norah Jones, Matthews reaches into her soul to articulate her deepest wants on this jazzy ballad. Of these 12 covers, Oscar Hammerstein's "A Kiss to Build a Dream On" perhaps is the most widely recorded. Here accompanied in parts only by a guitar, the spotlight is deftly on Matthews' engaging vocals exuding an intimate and romantic vibe. While Al Green's evergreen "Love and Happiness" is given a New Orleans' bluesy makeover. With Matthews' engaging performance, you might have mistaken her as a resident of Bourbon Street. Equally ear grabbing and careened with a childlike innocence is Matthews' performance of the lullaby "Moon Beneath My Feet."
Interestingly, U2's religious and social sensitive "One" is given such a stripped down "natural" feel that you would not have guess the group who rock stadiums once recorded it. The same goes with "This Time," a track written and once performed by British dance duo Olive. Though not as poignant as "One," it's passable. Similarly, I am not too keen on Australian rocker Matt Finish's "Short Note." Despite its title, the song just drags on and on.
Even more unlikely cover is Nanci Griffith's underrated "The Wing and the Wheel." Somehow a dark plaintive narrative that ends with a spark of optimism, it is indeed a nifty cover as Matthews gave this ballad a sensitive and thoughtful read. Canadian singer-songwriter Gordon Lightfoot's "Early Morning Rain," also covered by the Grateful Dead, is one of music's most truthful exposition of loneliness. Despair had never been more eloquently phrased: "On In the early morning rain with a dollar in my hand/ With an aching in my heart and a pocket full of sand/I'm a long way from home and I miss my loved one so/In the early morning rain with no place to go."
Though debility earmarked a couple of songs, "Café Naturale" offers a distinctive taste that few can imitate. Its recipe resides in its diverse song selection and its unique acoustic production. "Café Naturale" is truly a desirable and tasty treat from one of Australia's most sought after chanteuse.
Rock Music:
- Cafe Naturale [Limited Edition] [Import]
- Caldonia
- Core [Limited Edition] [Original recording remastered] [Import]
- Crazy Eyes
- Cruise Control [Import]
- Culture Club 2005: Singles & Remixes [Import]
- Drowning in Reality
- Elk-Lake Serenade
- Elvis at Sun [Limited Edition]
- Ersatz
