Sunday, December 11, 2011

Applause! Applause! Review of Julie Budd's CD "Pure Imagination" by Marle Becker

This review of Julie Budd's CD entitled "Pure Imagination" was written by Marle Becker and appeared in Volume I, Issue 4 (February, 1998) of Applause! Applause! published by Dr. Thomas Robert Stevens.

"Pure Imagination" - Julie Budd
(Touchwood/After 9 Records, TWCD-2014)

It's been far too long between albums for veteran show-stopper Julie Budd, but her new CD on Touchwood brings Budd right back into the recording limelight where she belongs. While Budd's always found an effective way to flatter a good song, or any song for that matter, she appears to be singing a different tune these days. Much more passionate about her material and noticeably more connected to the heart of a song than she's ever been before, her message is now accurately focused and clearly heartfelt. Hence, a medley of "I've Got A Crush On You" and "My Romance" is not only thrilling vocally and technically, but emotionally as well, yet at the same time, "Blame It On My Youth" conveys an unlucky feeling of love gone awry. There's a swinging duet with Billy Stritch and "Where Am I Going" from "Sweet Charity" serves as a wake-up call to Broadway big shots to straighten up and take heed. Arrangements by Don Sebesky, Pete Moore, and Herb Bernstein are stimulating and right on target for Budd's crystal clear voice.

Julie Budd's "Pure Imagination" is pure pleasure. Pick this one up, take it home, and see why this Budd's for you!

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