Originally from Vancouver but now based in Montreal, Sarah Kennedy could be described as a voice for standards that has stepped outside the strict confines of the Great American Songbook.
On The Beloved, she offers seven original songs, which nevertheless have many of the alluring attributes of certain vocal standards in the “Torch Song” category, among others, with intonations reminiscent of Joni Mitchell (a must-reference for any Canadian, I think). Give a listen or two to We Have Not Come To Take Prisoners, for example.
Seven original compositions is a rare thing among Canadian vocalists, who much more often indulge in reworking well-established standards. Kennedy must be praised for daring to create and for not having done too badly in her endeavour. Indeed, the songs have character, expressed in beautiful vocal lines where the melodies, while not always memorable, remain pleasant.
The arrangements are finely detailes, the energy is just right without any rush, with a few leisurely pauses. I love this authentic voice, without any fluff or mannerisms.
This is Sarah Kennedy’s second studio album. The first, Portrait, released in 2015, showcased more predictable standards, well performed, but without particular originality. Let’s dare to say that The Beloved is the first work of the rest of her career.
