Motema

2008-10-07
PopSyndicate.com by George Thompson – Review

Tuneful music.

For three long years, KJ dreamed of recording an album that was all about her. Her dream wasn’t in the selfish sense of pop tarts like Britney Spears, who expose more midriff than soul-searching lyrics. It was about singing what she wanted in a way that called to the deepest recesses of soul.

The urban folk/jazz singer’s dream is now a reality with KJ’s seventh album, Lucky 7. I consider it “bar” music, playing in the background while you have a drink, but its appeal could stretch to a fine restaurant as an accompaniment to your meal. KJ formed a group back in 1997 called NY Unit with whom she still plays semi-regularly at The 55 Bar in New York City where she’s a mainstay.

KJ has been influenced by the likes of Sergio Mendes, James Taylor, Joni Mitchell, as well as Carole King and Laura Nyro. She fell in love with Steely Dan’s music and has been writing songs since she was ten and was led by the inspiration of the above people to keep at it and write her music as she sang to entertain others. Her music reflects lots of influences and there’s a certain part that is R&B along with the jazz and urban folk.

Accompanied by piano and guitar, the music is good from “Over The Rainbow”, to a catchy little upbeat number called “Little Problems”. KJ is a busy lady with her own record label and she tours the US and Europe on a regular basis. However, she still likes to return to The Bar 55 to perform live because it seems more real and a way to introduce new people to her music and style.

The music is infectious and had me toe tapping through each song. When the last track played, I wanted more but I can’t fly to New York to hear her in person. Maybe one of these days that will happen for I’m hooked on her music and style. KJ reminds me so much of Roberta Flack and her slow, torchy songs. Lucky 7, though, put KJ in her own realm. It’s positively charming.

3.5 stars
http://www.popsyndicate.com/site/story/lucky_7_kj_denhert

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