Live Close By, Visit Often
K.T. Oslin's 1996 release, the woefully underappreciatedMy Roots Are Showing, honored her own eclectic musical underpinnings. This time, Oslin and coproducer Raul Malo of theMavericksmix Oslin originals with pop standards. Oslin's sharp, focused voice deftly navigates the funky Memphis R&B; arrangements framing "Live Close By, Visit Often" and "Somebody's Leavin' Somebody" and on the autumnal "I Can't Remember Not Loving You" conveys sensuality without artifice. Her acting talent transforms the story-song "Neva Sawyer" into a nearly six-minute minidrama. Though somewhat out of place, the pop standards "If You Were the Only Boy in the World," "Mean to Me," and "What Is This Thing Called Love" are all worthy, mature performances. In that context, they had to be kidding with the closing track, a bizarre techno-rap version of the 1951Rosemary Clooneyhit "Come On-A My House." If not meant as a joke, it reeks of pandering. That stumble aside, in an increasingly youth-oriented market, Oslin--who turned 60 in 2001--remains an oasis of hip, knowing class.--Rich Kienzle