Joe Beck / Laura Theodore

By Harvey Siders
There isn't another jazz singer on the planet who sounds like Laura Theodore. Just another way of saying she's a bona fide original. The same can be said of guitarist Joe Beck: many guitarists play and swing like he does, but his sound remains distinctive. Then consider this album. It had been in the works since late 2006, as a tribute to another much-loved original, Peggy Lee, as well as a homage to the songwriting team of Lee and her husband, Dave Barbour (also a singer-guitarist duo). Beck became ill in 2007, soon after he and Laura completed the recording sessions, and died from lung cancer in '08. The realization that this is his final recording makes it even more precious.
Ms Theodore, blessed with a four-octave range, uses every bit of that spread to convey a full spectrum of emotions: from the minor mode distress of "Johnny Guitar" and the scolding sarcasm of "Why Don't You Do Right?" (What a delicious ending as Laura concludes on a strongly projected fifth, while Beck fingers his way up a minor triad, ending on a very hip major 7th; to the Latin lament, "My Small Señor;" the seductive "When You Speak With Your Eyes," containing some sultry sotto voce scat; and of course, for comic relief, "Mañana."

How does Laura handle the blues? Quite effectively; check "You Was Right Baby." There are many non-Lee/Barbour standards, the most memorable being "I Get Along Without You Very Well," an expressive reading of the Hoagy Carmichael classic in which she lets her voice "grate" certain clusters of notes for dramatic effect.

Speaking of effects, I have mixed feelings regarding Beck's invention, the alto guitar. He deserves no end of credit for devising an instrument that divides its six strings into two for bass notes, four for chords and/or melody. But the resulting tone has a ringing quality that tends to obscure his amazing finger runs and chordal richness. Half of the 16 tracks on the album is devoted to alto guitar; the other eight are for acoustic guitar with standard tuning.
http://jazztimes.com/sections/albums/articles/25348-golden-earrings-joe-beck-laura-theodore

Joe Beck & Laura Theodore

Review: Joe Beck and Laura Theodore new CD "Golden Earrings" should be a Jazz classic for a lot of reasons. First, it is the last album recorded by Joe Beck before he passed away on July 22, 2008. Beck was a musician’s musician and his resume includes recordings with Miles Davis, Buddy Rich, Gil Evans, Frank Sinatra, James Brown and David Sanborn. There’s also the chance to hear once again Beck’s invention, the Alto Guitar, a hybrid guitar with two bass strings and four guitar strings. Another reason is Laura Theodore; for those who are not familiar with Laura’s work, she is one of the best singers on the Jazz scene today. But the main reason is the wonderful music on this album. Golden Earrings is a tribute to the music of another Jazz legend, Peggy Lee. There’s an undeniable chemistry between Joe Beck and Laura Theodore that shows all trough this CD. Beck use of chords and harmonies played on his alto guitar creates music so full and rich, ideal for Laura’s always soulful vocals. The beautiful intro on Johnny Guitar is a perfect way to start Golden Earrings. Beck’s guitar and Laura’s enchanting interpretation reminds me of a Quentin Tarantino movie soundtrack.

Beck an Laura swing on tracks like Why don’t you do right, You was right baby and I can’t believe you’re in love with me. On Take a little time to smile, Laura moves easily between deep and bright tones, playing beautifully with Beck chords and harmonies. Laura’s vocals on Fever and My small señor, are playful, suggestive and entertaining. Love the use of guitar harmonics by Beck on these songs. Laura has a quality on her voice and phrasing that reminds me of legendary Jazz singers like Ella and Holiday. Yet, she has an unmistakable style and voice. Listen to Solitude, Golden Earrings, When your speak with your eyes and the nice scats on Don’t smoke in Bed. I specially enjoy the Bossa feeling on I get along without you very well and the bluesy version of I don’t know enough about you, a perfect match for Laura classy and soulful voice.
Golden Earrings contains some of the best Jazz music I’ve heard in recent years. This album is a must have in your Jazz collection. Tracks: Johnny Guitar, Why don't you do right?, Take a little time to smile, Fever, My Small Señor, Don't smoke in bed, I get along without you very well, You was right baby, I can't believe that you're in love with me, Solitude, Everything is moving too fast, When you speak with your eyes, Golden Earrings, I don't know enough about you, What more can a woman do?, Mañana
Musicians: Joe Beck (alto guitar, acoustic guitar), Laura Theodore (vocals)
http://jazznbossa.ning.com/

Joe Beck & Laura Theodore