Stunning comes to mind in describing what happens next. You may be familiar with Grammy winning vocalist Isabella Lundgren. If so, you know what to expect. Either way, you are in for a treat. Many years ago, songwriters Harold Arlen and Yip Harburg took listeners to the far away land of Oz. The only way to get there was to go ”Over the Rainbow.” In a brilliant illustration of the power of music, legendary singer Judy Garland took us there with her voice, her heart, and her wide-eyed innocence. The classic song has been performed thousands of times since in a myriad of styles and genres. Still it is Garland’s magic that takes us beyond the clouds and deep into our hearts. Isabella Lundgren has perhaps done the impossible. She captures that earnest integrity and pureness of voice while adding just the right amount of phrasing to make it breathe an air of jazz distinction, without being overwhelming. She delightfully pays homage to Garland while still deftly performing in her own wheelhouse. Backed by pianist and arranger Carl Bagge, bassist Martin Hoper, and drummer Jonas Backman, Lundgren is awe inspiring.
Från All about jazz, 2020
