Lauren Dalrymple has finally got her debut solo album under wraps. After singing for well over a decade and lending her vocal talents to the like of Afro-Cuban All Stars and Gwyn Jay, it’s now Laurens turn to shine like the star that she is.
She brings to you ‘Copasetic’. Confused by the title? Copasetic is an old English word meaning ‘Ok’. This album is certainly more than ok and definitely worth the wait.
Copasetic is a collection of truthfully edgy jazz music.
The album begins with a rather old school sounding song ‘Everybody wants to be a cat’. This could potentially fir right in on the soundtrack of ‘Aristocats’.
As an opening song to the album you would presume this is the style she will carry forward…wrong.
The following tracks do not follow in suit which is definitely a positive thing.
‘Love Never Fails’ is the second tune on the album. This starts of with layered vocals then simmers down into a piano solo which sounds amazingly pristine. The intro lasts for around 45 seconds but is by no means monotonous.
The best way I could describe this song is as lovely. The message is simply sweet, if you’re a fan of heartfelt music this song (along with the majority On Copasetic) is for you!
The title track of the album comes in the first half. Now this is how a title track should be. Outstanding, making you want to hear more and never stop listening.
There is a major juxtaposition between the intro and the rest of the song. The solo saxophone works perfectly before being joined by a perfect set of keys (piano). The track ‘Copasetic’ really gets going after two whole minutes. The pace is switched up providing a fresh and slightly funky sound. The tempo influences the vocals to increase by a few beats.
‘Heart of Blue’ resembles a traditional blues symphony. This has a real 1960’s feel to it. It felt nice to be taken back to an era that was influential for blues music.
‘Stella by Starlight/ Stella’s Groove’ is a reworked version of the song originated by Victor Young and Ned Washington- Laurens vocals sound completely different on this track. The tune incorporates a modern urban sound. It is very easy to listen too and I must say it’s one of my favourites on the album.
A skit is thrown in amongst the tracks; usually this wouldn’t be much to write home about, however I really liked it so I must share this with you. ‘Don’t Wanna’ (Track 7) is innovative to say the least. It’s a short poem over music provide purely by voices, It sounds like an alternative form of beat boxing.
The final two tracks of the album come way too quickly for my liking. ‘I am’ is collaboration with Latin piano player Alex Wilson. This is a strong defining song for women. ‘Arise, Arise!’ ‘I Am has a very catchy chorus which makes it more appealing.
Last but not least we have ‘Mama Speaks’. The final tune from a numerical minimalist album pleases the ears on umpteen levels. This particular track is a tribute to Laurens mother and the words actually use phrases her mum used to say to her. The use of a harmonica worked particularly well within this composition.
The album is short, sweet and very easy on the ears. Lauren Dalrymple certainly shows of her talented voice, versatility and uniqueness with Copasetic.
I would definitely recommend this album to add to your jazz collection.