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Binding: Audio CDEAN: 0093624870425 Label: Reprise / Wea Manufacturer: Reprise / Wea MPN: 48704 Number Of Discs: 1 Publisher: Reprise / Wea Release Date: May 25, 2004 Studio: Reprise / Wea Editorial Review: Amazon.com: No less an expert on pop affairs than Neil Sedaka likens the impossibly mature voice of 14-year-old vocalist/TV star (CBS' Still Standing) Renee Olstead to "Patsy Cline, Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday all wrapped in one." There's no disputing the sultry vocal talents showcased on this debut that balances familiar chestnuts from the great American songbook ("Summertime," "Someone to Watch Over Me," "Sentimental Journey") with more recent fare that veers from R 'n' B sass ("Is You Is Or Is You Ain't My Baby") to 70s chart hits like Sedaka's own "Breaking Up Is Hard to Do" and Maria Muldaur's "Midnight at the Oasis." A cynical ear might question how much of Olmstead's own life informs these bluesy performances: how trying can eigth grade be for an attractive redhead with a major label contract? Indeed, the tagline for at least one latter-day Ella Fitzgerald project comes frequently to mind here: "Is it real, or it Memorex?" Olmstead is yet another teen protege of hugely successful producer David Foster (who's midwifed the careers of Josh Groban and Michael Buble in recent years), and he provides her with some sturdy jazz arrangements to riff emotively on here--even if his production is as slick and bloodless as ever. Still, Foster's penchant for overwrought melodrama is kept mercifully in check on his own composition "I Want a Love to Last," while his shrewd teaming of the young chanteuse with fellow teen pop phenom Peter Cincotti on Sedaka's "Breaking Up.." deftly underscores the promising talents of both. --Jerry McCulley Album Description: Renee Olstead, co-star of the Top CBS comedy series "Still Standing" releases her self-titled major label debut. With a seriously bluesy jazz voice, Olstead wows everyone who hears her, including the renowned David Foster who co- produced this album of classics. Unless someone told you, you might never suspect that Olstead is only in high school! Renee Olstead ... hear her ... you won't believe your ears. Average Rating:
 Rating:  - Fantastic!Oh my, what a voice on this young lady! Many have said such kind things here and they are all well-deserved. I can only add that a good friend of mine, Donna Hightower-- who has sold millions of records in Europe and is also well-known for her jazz singing-- was blown away by Renee's singing when she heard "Taking a Chance on Love." She couldn't believe that this young singer could possibly be singing like that-- but she is. I can't wait for the next CD to come out. Rating: - Fabulous This young lady is the most exciting singer I have heard in many years. I would describe her as a cross between Linda Ronstadt and Peggy Lee. It is difficult to find 40's Standards music. Let alone good music. I hope she continues, not only with her singing, but with this style of music for which I believe she is very well suited. Not to mention how beautiful she is. It is so hard to believe she was 14 when making this recording. Rating: - Everything I thought it would be and more!Fantastic! One of my favorite CDs from the first time I listened to it. Excellent reception time, in great shape! Rating: - Melodic and movingI'm an older guy and am transported to heaven when I hear a singer that understands the subtleties of this type of wonderful ballads. Simply can't believe this depth at this young age. Rating:  - Great VoiceRenee has an amazing voice. I'm not a jazz fan, so I wont say much about this album, but the covers are really good and Renee has great potential to be the next greatest Jazz singer. Standout tracks include 'Summertime', 'Midnight at The Oasis' and 'Love That Will Last'. |
