The gospel truth

Description

Consigned to some of the great pillars of African American music: Sam Cooke, Donny Hathaway, Nina Simone. Drawing on her gospel roots (Ida had joined a choir from a young age), the singer-pianist was also keen to explore other paths in a very pop vein: "Like a Prayer" by Madonna, "I Wanna Know What Love Is" by Foreigner, and "Have a Little Faith" by John Hiatt. The contagious pleasure of interpreting these songs, and the vintage patina of the production once again by Nils Landgren - the strong man of the fall 2001 at ACT! - give coherence and unity to this album. Joe Sample (what irresistible groove on the Fender Rhodes!) and Steve Gadd lend a hand on several tracks, while a female choir composed of Rigmor Gustafsson, Jeanette Köhn, Sharon Dyall, and Jessica Pilnas resonates warmly on four tracks of the record. It is the blind guitarist and singer Raul Midon who accompanies Ida on the "soulful" track by Bobby Scott, "He Ain't Heavy. He's My Brother," undoubtedly one of the best moments of the album. Thus, listening to these covers reveals a deep knowledge of this repertoire, a contagious joy in sharing these exhilarating pieces, as well as a great musical vitality. Following in the wake of singers like Lisa Stansfield, Ida Sand is one of the most promising "blue-eyed soul" voices of recent years.