Melody Gardot – My One and Only Thrill (a J!-ENT World Groove Album Review)

ARTIST: Melody Gardot

ALBUM:  My One and Only Thrill (Digital Version)

LABEL: Verve International

DURATION:  47:53

Release Date: April 28, 2009

1. Baby I’m a Fool
2. If the Stars Were Mine
3. Who Will Comfort Me
4. Your Heart is As Black As Night
5. Love Undercover
6. Our Love is Easy
7. Les Etoiles
8. The Rain
9. My One and Only Thrill
10. Deep Within the Corners of My Mind
11. Over the Rainbow
12. If the Stars Were Mine (Orchestral Version)

I have simply fallen in love with the music of Melody Gardot as of late. A young artist who is a talented musician but also a singer with beautiful vocals.

Melody Gardot has an interesting musical background. Knowing how to play the piano, Gardot was influenced by blues and jazz artists such as Miles Davis, Duke Ellington and George Gershwin, the artist had major challenges several years ago when she was struck by a car when she was riding her bicycle and became a musician after discovering music therapy in a way to rebuild her cognitive impairment. In the accident, her pelvis was hurt and that she was unable to play the piano. So, she ended up learning how to play the guitar. But since the accident, she had become sensitive to light and sound and thus the reason why she is identified with her sunglasses.

In 2008, her independent album from 2006 titled “Worrisome Heart” was released on the Verve Record Label which Gardot collaborated with Grammy Award winning producer Glenn Barratt and worked with guitarist Jef Lee Johnson, organist Joel Bryant and trumpeter Matt Cappy.

She then began working on her latest album “My One and Only Thrill” with another Grammy Award winning producer Larry Klein (known for his works with ex-wife Joni Mitchell, Tracy Chapman and many talented female artists).

The album would feature two CD singles “Who Will Comfort Me” and “Baby I’m a Fool”. Also, a cover of the classic “Over the Rainbow”.

The album showcases a smooth jazz style but quiet sound. Relaxing but elegant.

The opening track “Baby I’m a Fool” which I found simply elegant with its beautiful touch of strings throughout the track. An absolutely awesome lead off track that truly showcases Gardot’s sensual vocals. And followed up by the track “Love Undercover”, “Our Love Is Easy” and “My One and Only Thrill” which is just a romantic and enjoyable track showcasing Gardot’s vocals and the music of her talented musicians.

The second track “If the Stars Were Mine” has a bossa nova style that I just found absolutely captivating. The seventh track “Les Etoiles” is another bossa nova track but sung entirely in French. And impressive is her bossa nova cover of “Over the Rainbow” which is simply lovely.

You also get a taste of the blues with her first CD single “Who Will Comfort Me” and noir with “Your Heart is As Black As Night” and overall, you get to hear the delicateness, the suaveness of Melody Gardot’s vocals.
Overall, Gardot’s “My One and Only Thrill” is romantic, well-produced and a solid album worth listening to! Highly recommended!