This Is Book’s Music

Upon first listen, Kristine Mills may sound like that comforting voice you may have heard on AM radio years ago or on an oldies station. With a bit of concentration, she may sound like that “unknown but curious as to who this is” vocalist you may have caught on NPR. Upon first look, you may think “well, is this jazz?” If you throw out perceptions, then you will hear Mills’ voice as someone who can sing anything, from jazz to pop, country to rock, even a bit of folk, even though what you hear on this album are jazz songs.

Bossanovafied (self-released) is a 8-song album that I wish could have been 4 to 6 songs longer, but this only makes me anticipate more from her in the future. Mills has a grace about her that truly shines, in songs like “That Was Yesterday” and “Fallin’ In Love” (both written by Mills), you hear someone who sounds so comfortable that it truly melts, as they say, like butter. She’s a great jazz singer, no doubt, but what I also hear is someone who would not find it a problem to sing and dabble in other genres. What I hear are shades of Minnie Riperton, Clara Hill, or even a funky and spunky Blossom Dearie, and yet beyond the comparisons you hear someone who is very passionate about her singing and the craft of music and songwriting. In her case, she had a hand in each of the songs here, with two songs credited solely to her, so you’re also hearing her music, in her space and time, and thus you’re entering her world one song at a time. If today’s pop singers (everyone from Demi Lovato to Selena Gomez bought this album, sat down with it, and truly listened, Mills could easily be a major influence amongst a younger generation. Whatever your age, she is sure to move you, in turn making you Bossanovafied.

|