From Broken Hearts To The Blue Skies
Singer Susannah McCorkle has made a reputation for herself as a premier cabaret-style interpreter of American popular songs. AndFrom Broken Hearts to Blue Skiesproves once again that her rep is no fluke. McCorkle's gift for creative interpretations of classic material is evident right from the exuberant high note of "Laughing at Life," the CD-opening tribute toBillie Holiday. McCorkle's versatility is on display throughout the album's 14 tracks, from a beautiful rendition of Billy Strayhorn's anguished "Something to Live For" to an appropriately laid-back tribute toChet Baker, "Look for the Silver Lining," andBessie Smith's bluesy "I Ain't Gonna Play No Second Fiddle." The highlight of the set, though, is McCorkle's delicate version ofDjango Reinhardt's "Nuages," where she sings in French and English paired only with Al Gafa's lovely guitar. Sparse and impressionistic, the moment is at once reverent toward the original version and unafraid to add something of its own, much like the rest ofFrom Broken Hearts to Blue Skies.--Ezra Gale