Review - Little Wing (Debra Blaquiere, MD 3265)
Perth Jazz Society, February 2003, by Ron Morey

English-born, Sydney-based singer Debra Blaquiere has a couple of independently-produced singles and an album in her c.v. With Little Wing (Move MD 3265), she has climbed up a rung on the ladder of wider exposure. This somewhat fanciful CD, the first of Move's new audiophile offerings, is, as its subtitle declaims, "standards inspired by angels". Two of Melbourne's (and Australia's) finest, awesome pianist/accordionist Joe Chindamo and rock-solid bassist Philip Rex are the stellar accompanists.

Debra has a light (girlish in the upper register) voice that is almost overshadowed by piano in the livelier songs, thanks to the mix. She has more authority on the ballads, where her lower register is to the fore. Six of the 12 songs have "angel" in their title while half the remainder have a connection with flight. With the rest the link isn't even tenuous. Two of the ditties are of the singer's own writing, one collaboration - hardly standards. The highlight, for me, is Angle Bells, a Ruby/Spencer/Hagan song from the 20s or 30s. Chindamo's piano is almost blues-drenched on this one and grooves mightily. Despite Blaquiere's celestial inspiration Little Wing displays more of her pop influences (Doris Day, Dean Martin, Nat Cole) than any perceived jazz ones.

Jazz masterworks re-covered
The Star, January 23, 2003, by Chris Copas

Songs inspired by angels make "Little Wing" (Move Records) a wonderful selection. The title tune is an original for singer Debra Blaquiere. Her heart lies in jazz and the tune reflect a respect for the masters of the genre.

Included on this collection, with piano and accordion by Joe Chindamo and double bass by Philip Rex, are some true classics.

Close To You finds new life, and Come Fly With Me swings again. The music will appeal beyond the jazz genre.

Rating: 4 out of 5.