Melinda Doolittle "Coming Back to You" Review
Debut Album Emotional, Soulful, Heartfelt
Feb 16, 2009
"Let's get back to the fundamental things. Let's get back to the elements of style."
So sings Melinda Doolittle in the opening cut of Coming Back To You, her debut CD. And get back she does, applying her impressive vocals to grooves, rhythms and melodies that span the best of the past, including songs from Robert Johnson ("Dust My Broom" and "Walking Blues") and Sammy Cahn (renditions of "The Best of Everything", "I'll Never Stop Loving You" and "Wonder Why").
Other standouts include "It's Your Love", an outstanding "girl group" effort and "If I'm Not in Love", a song made famous by Faith Hill and re-imagined as a soul burner. This album both satisfies and whets the appetite for more.
Doolittle Songs
Thirteen songs showcase her vocal range with an exquisite blend of gritty blues, Tina Turner-style rockers, smooth jazz, and beautiful ballads reminiscent of "My Funny Valentine" which feature Melinda's rich velvety vocals set against lush instrumental backdrops. Every song has soul as its foundation pure, powerful, and heartfelt.
Each song is like a miniature tapestry, where Melinda paints a musical picture-story with her voice. If you're searching for an album you can play from start to finish, listen to over and over, and never tire of it, this one's for you.
Fundamental Things and I Will Be
The first track ("Fundamental Things") and the ninth ("I Will Be") are radio worthy songs. Some of the songs have that smooth bluesy feel while others are reminiscent of earlier torch songs. Music critics can talk about production values but to the casual listener, the production values sound just right. While the music may sound dated to some, it depends on the listener and the occasion. Perhaps a couple songs sound like they might have come from the 1960's.
Every song is executed with verve and with the deepest commitment to interpretations of the music that deftly connects, heart and soul, so essentially to the lyric.
Doolittle's Emotion
The proof is in the impressive emotional range of Melinda's performances as she captures the feeling of being overwhelmed by love ("Wonder Why"), tenderness ("I'll Never Stop Loving You"), inspiration ("We Will Find a Way"), resilience and defiance ("Dust My Broom" and "Walkin Blues"), passion ("It's Your Love" and "The Best of Everything"), strength and perseverance ("I Will Be"), and longing ("If I'm Not in Love").
Roots of Coming Back to You
The music is rooted deeply in the rhythms of soul, rock, doo wop, blues and jazz. There's a depth to Doolittle's singing that is rare to find in any artist, let alone one of her generation. The jazz aspect is interpretive and the colorful key changes and phrasing are impeccable.
It's no coincidence the CD is released the week before Valentine's Day. There's an an authentic emotion in Coming Back To You that will speak to many.
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