In my last column, I wrote about a legend in the music world, Benny Goodman. This week, it’s the other end of the spectrum, as the subject of this edition is a relative newcomer, Renee Olstead. Perhaps you remember this young vocalist from a TV sitcom called “Still Standing.” She was 14 years old when this show made its debut; she portrayed one of the siblings of the TV family. In one of the episodes, she got an opportunity to show off her singing talents. Soon after that, her first CD hit the market, simply titled “Renee Olstead.”
Friday, July 20 through August 5 – Elgin Community College presents “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.” For tickets and schedule, call 847-622-0300.
Sunday, July 29, 1 p.m. – The Sun City Swing Band, “Let’s Dance!” will perform on stage at Algonquin Commons as part of the summer music program offered by the mall. Free.
What is surprising about this album is not so much that Olstead has a great voice, but her ability to sing with a jazz styling that belies her age. I doubt that any of the songs she chose to record were written after she was born! As I listened to each cut, I couldn’t believe my ears. How could this girl, barely a teenager, be capable of sounding like these songs were made for her?
Take, for example, her rendition of “Summertime,” which she begins a cappella, then gets “down” and very jazzy. Listen as she bends notes as if she were singing a sax solo. Her vocal range is excellent, her phrasing reminiscent of the immortal Ella Fitzgerald, but she’s only in high school!
The album includes some great old standards, such as “Someone to Watch Over Me,” “Is You Is, or Is You Ain’t,” “Sunday Kind of Love,” “Sentimental Journey,” and many more. My personal favorite cut is the duet Renee does with Peter Cincotti on Neil Sedaka’s “Breaking Up is Hard to Do,” the only somewhat contemporary tune on the album. Be sure to get on Youtube and give a listen to this phenom.
Another aspect of this CD that makes it so enjoyable is the studio musicians on board. Add to that some of the arrangements are by David Foster, who has a knack for finding talent and bringing new artists to the forefront. The list of Foster-finds include the likes of Josh Groban, Jackie Evancho, Andrea Bocelli, and Michael Buble.
That’s “All That Jazz and More” for now. My next column will focus on a contemporary big band aptly named the Big Phat Band. Please send your comments to me at greengeezer9@comcast.net. I’d love to hear from you.
