When Did You Leave Heaven

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Despite the fact that they're currently seeing more than their fair share of stale reproductions, standards became standards because they lend themselves to endless interpretations. Still, after countless recordings, it takes a singer with both the courage and the right voice to breathe new life into them. Such singers are rare, but Swedish vocalist Lisa Ekdahl is undoubtedly among them. Weaving and twisting its way through lyrics that are often older than she is, Ekdahl's high lilting voice lends a unique articulation and a remarkably fresh sound to these classics. From Cole Porter's coy "Love for Sale" to Arthur Hamilton's bluesy "Cry Me a River" or the romantic Richard Whiting/Walter Bullock penned title track, Ekdahl proves herself capable of covering a broad spectrum of emotions--a versatility that gives this album both the familiarity of an old friend and the rush of a new love, a rare combination indeed. --Bill Snyder

Tracks:

Haunted Heart
River
When Did You Leave Heaven?
You've Changed
Answer Me
My Cherie Amour
In My Life
The Moon Is A Harsh Mistress
Wozzeck/The Midnight Sun
Liebst du um Schit
My One And Only Love/This Is Always
Can do Amor
Psych
Hard Times Come Again No More

Amazon.com

While countless fans flock to see soprano Renee Fleming's performances of the Countess in The Marriage of Figaro because she's got the voice and the dramatic ability to handle such meaty roles, the versatile singer throws her fans a curveball on Haunted Heart, singing popular standards and ballads as well as a few altered classical pieces. In her liner notes, Fleming calls this album a "look back at the road not taken" -- she played a weekly gig in a jazz club while in school. Nonetheless, her feel for the material here is undeniable. Interestingly, she drops her voice a full octave from her usual tessitura, and the change reveals a robust gospel-oriented approach filled with dramatic breaths and moans. The lyrical Fred Hersch (piano) and the idiosyncratic Bill Frisell (guitar) provide support, and both are adventurous jazz players who create subtle and uniquely haunting backdrops. It adds up to an interesting cross-section of ideas well carried off by the generous talents of all involved. --Tad Hendrickson

Interview with Renee Fleming
Renee Fleming speaks about recent projects, including her memoir The Inner Voice and her recent Handel CD, in our interview.

Customer Reviews:

Sublime and ridiculous.......2007-06-13

The sublime: much of the artistry of this recording is about sound, and the subtle blending/responding of voice with guitar sounds and / or piano sounds. It is in the sensitive musical interplay between the artists where this effort shines. Definitely not recommended for road trips!

The ridiculous: Fleming ended the majority of most phrases in most of the songs with a guttural of some sort which for me becomes irritating to the point of distraction. These punctuations are mostly quite awful: really tasteless, clumsy, and overused big time and I'm amazed at how this ever got released. Without these ersatz testifyin' noises this CD would be stunning.

So, if you have the ability and inclination to edit out this garbage from your perception as you listen I think you'll be glad you experienced these artists at work together. (Unfortunately I'm not up to it).

Eeeeeeeeeeewwwwwww.......2007-06-06

Ugh. Like a manufactured home vs. a stick-built house, Fleming's manufactured (aka "training and technique") blues voice compares unfavorably to other jazz/blues singers/lounge acts. Would not, COULD not, listen to this recording straight through--one big long, breathy, minor key train wreck in the making. Took the CD on a road trip and had to pull over and remove from queue--either that or drive into a wall.

Better than I thought it would be.......2007-04-10

I have to admit, Haunted Heart was a lot better than I thought it would be,especially her recordings of "River", "The Moon's a Harsh Mistress, "My Cherie Amour" and "In my life".
I think this is the most artistically successful recording of Pop/Jazz by a classical singer. I enjoyed it even better than the Anna Sophie Von Otter'/ Elvis Costello CD.
The perspective I am coming from is that of a classical singer who started out as a pop singer/songwriter. I perform and teach cross-genre but love a world class instrument such as Flemming's
I wanted to get the perspective of a friend who used to sing jingles and is also a trained singer but is usually critical of any attempts that opera singers make at crossing -over.
My friend is very familiar with Flemming's voice, but did not recognise it in this context when I played the CD for her. Her reaction was very complimentary, although she did comment that the diction was a bit strange.
She then played it for her brother a well known jazz singer and arranger who had a somewhat negative reaction.He found the singing to be overly dark and round. He prefers a cleaner more 'spoken' approach to this style of singing. I understand this perspective and therefore personally prefer Ella to Sarah as well, but let's not get too picky. Obviously, Rene Flemming is of the Sarah Vaghan School of jazz singing, which is not too shabby.

I will continue to enjoy this CD and will wait for another opera diva to top this one. But, somehow I think the next really good CD of Pop/ jazz from an opera star will also come from Rene.

To those who have been unreasonably mean and negative towards her, I can only say you are not fit to polish her shoes!

Brava Renee.......2007-04-09

This talented woman can sing anything. I really enjoyed this cd with the lights turned down and a glass of wine to relax after a very stressful day at work. Renee could definitely have another singing career outside of opera should she choose. Hearing her drop that gorgeous voice down one octave rivals the best chanteuses in the business - Cassandra Wilson, Nancy Wilson, Regina Belle, Sarah Vaughan, etc. This cd of different musical styles reminds me of Nina Simone and Cassandra Wilson, two great singers whom could interpret any song genre and make their versions special. I loved all the songs and the standouts here are "Haunted Heart", "River", "My One and Only Love", "My Cherie Amour", "Cancao do Amor", and Beatles "In My Life", and "Hard Times Come Again No More".
I hope Renee keeps recording whatever catches her fancy because I'll certainly always listen.

Art is always new. .......2007-03-10

Renee Fleming is an artist bringing us something new, and beautiful. The poor will always be with us as manifest in those who resent other's movement from their established zones. Renee Fleming is a great female voice with accomplishments her detractors will never have, but in their dreams.

I welcome Renee's elan demonstrated with her recent recordings, Love sublime with Brad Mehldau, and Haunted Heart with Fred Hersch and Bill Frissell. Bravery, fun, and talent combined by artists and for people who are listening. Hearing long time favorites Mehldau, Hersch, and Frissell is all the more sublime.

Average customer rating:

Not jazz as I know it
Swedish Singer singing American Jazz
A Different Take on Jazz
Entrancing
What a great find!

When Did You Leave Heaven
Lisa Ekdahl
Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Traditional Jazz General | Traditional Jazz & Ragtime | Jazz | Styles | Music

Vocal Jazz General | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

Traditional Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music

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Similar Items:

Back to Earth
Sings Salvadore Poe
Heaven Earth & Beyond
No More Blues
After Hours

ASIN: B000003ETV
Release Date: 2006-02-27

Tracks:

When Did You Leave Heaven
But Not For Me
Cry Me A River
Love For Sale
Lush Life
You're Gonna See A Lot Of Me
It Was Just One Of Those Things
The Boy Next Door
I'm A Fool To Want You
My Heart Belongs To Daddy
Blame It On My Youth

Amazon.com

Despite the fact that they're currently seeing more than their fair share of stale reproductions, standards became standards because they lend themselves to endless interpretations. Still, after countless recordings, it takes a singer with both the courage and the right voice to breathe new life into them. Such singers are rare, but Swedish vocalist Lisa Ekdahl is undoubtedly among them. Weaving and twisting its way through lyrics that are often older than she is, Ekdahl's high lilting voice lends a unique articulation and a remarkably fresh sound to these classics. From Cole Porter's coy "Love for Sale" to Arthur Hamilton's bluesy "Cry Me a River" or the romantic Richard Whiting/Walter Bullock penned title track, Ekdahl proves herself capable of covering a broad spectrum of emotions--a versatility that gives this album both the familiarity of an old friend and the rush of a new love, a rare combination indeed. --Bill Snyder

Customer Reviews:

Not jazz as I know it.......2005-04-26

By all means, buy this album if you like little girl voices. Lisa bluffs her way through these standards in a pseudo-sexy, Swedish-accented, Marilyn Monroe-ish way ... but never for a moment convinces me she is singing jazz. Just listen to the sound clip of "Boy Next Door" to hear how she doesn't cut pitching the #4 of the chord (on the words "ignore" and "next door"). Not that pitch is everything ... But she just doesn't inhabit the songs (I don't believe her) - especially "Love for Sale" and "Lush Life". I think she'd do better sticking to material she can musically handle. There are too many artists intent on tackling the repertoire of standards and doing an unconvincing job of it.

Swedish Singer singing American Jazz.......2003-05-08

With a sweet little girl voice, something like a younger sounding Rickie Lee Jones, Swedish singer Lisa Ekdahl does refreshing interpretations on her 2nd English only Jazz standard CD. She doesn't have the wind or power of an Ella Fitzgerald, but she makes up for it in a different way, with charm. The other major highlight is the back up trio: Peter Nordahl on piano, Ronnie Gardiner on drums, & Patrik Boman on bass. Peter Nordahl at times sounds like a wild Bill Evans, kicking on & off the melodies. He makes a very interesting listen & what I believe is the well welcome stand out. If you like this CD, try the one before: "Back to Earth".

A Different Take on Jazz.......2002-11-15

Truly a unique voice. Part little girl, part Ella Fitzgerald. A good album, worth a buy

Entrancing.......2002-08-07

OK so I was seduced by her voice, but this is a beautiful album. It's not quite as strong as her other English-language CD, "Back to Earth" IMO, but it is nonetheless excellent...she's still expressive and sultry, and the backing trio is very very solid. If you want some background music while you read on Sunday morning in your flannel pjs, or while you decorate the Christmas tree, this is it. "Cry Me a River", "Lush Life", "Blame it on My Youth", and the title track are standouts. If I can't marry her, can I at least get her to make another CD with the Nordahl Trio? Please??

What a great find!.......2002-02-28

I had not heard of Lisa Ekdahl. I stumpled onto the CD, "when did you leave Heave?" while brozing a music store. I am just taken away by the exciting charm of her voice. The arangemen is perfect, her particular roll on the words is really fun. The emotion expressed in voice puts your ear on tiptoe. I'll be adding more CDs by this artist to my favorite list...for sure.

Average customer rating:

When Did You Leave Heaven

ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Rock | Imports | Stores | Music
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The Secret

ASIN: B000024Z5U
Release Date: 2005-05-17

Album Description

International version features 13 tracks.

Average customer rating:

Surprisingly good
Not Lisa's best, by any means
Betty Boop & Marilyn Monroe with a Pixie's style....

When Did You Leave Heaven

ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Jazz | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B00004UW9B
Release Date: 2003-05-06

Tracks:

When Did You Leave Heaven
But Not For Me
Cry Me A River
Love For Sale
Lush Life
Youre Gonna See A Lot Of Me
Its Oh So Quiet
It Was Just One Of Those Things
The Boy Next Door
Im A Fool To Want You
My Heart Belongs To Daddy
Blame It On My Youth
Its Oh So Quiet

Album Description

French edition of the Swedish jazz/pop vocalist's 1995 outing of Jazz standards includes two bonus track's (two versions of) 'It's Oh So Quiet' & 'It's Oh So Quiet. Often compared to Astrud Gilberto & Claudine Longet the remaining tracks on this ace mellow summery album include, 'When Did You Leave Heaven', 'But Not For Me', 'Cry Me A River', 'Love For Sale', 'Lush Life', 'You Are Gonna See A Lot Of Me', 'It Was Just One Of Those Things', 'The Boy Next Door', 'I'm A Fool To Want You' & 'Blame It On My Youth'.

Customer Reviews:

Surprisingly good.......2006-03-14

I'm not usually fond of waifish 'little girl' voices but Ms Ekdahl surprised me with her charm et unique style. The music isn't pretentious like so many modern jazz artists. She's natural, refreshing, a bit playful and singing with quiet emotions that are more effective than the brassy over-emotionalism of many contemporary jazz artists. Thumbs up.

Not Lisa's best, by any means.......2004-01-12

I bought this album in eager anticipation, having been highly impressed with her earlier release 'Back To Earth', which was quirky, imaginative and fun. However, this one is quite disappointing. It's all too-much-the-same in style and comes across as a bit of a commercial 'Part 2' to cash in on her reputation. And there are some musical faux pas that just plain grate - "Love For Sale" done at a cracking swing pace which makes it's poignant lyrics sound trite; Bjork's wonderful "It's Oh So Quiet" without the shout chorus which would normally give it 'bite'. And the other version of "It's Oh So Quiet" on the album sounds almost identical, so one wonders why it was even included.

Having said that, she does redeem herself a little with her choice of repertoire. It's great to hear such standards as "Lush Life", "But Not For Me" and "Cry Me A River", even if the treatment is fairly uninspiring.

Satisfactory background music, but not much more than that.

Betty Boop & Marilyn Monroe with a Pixie's style...........2002-10-17

I first heard Lisa Ekdahl in Norway many years ago. She had a smash hit called "Hvem Vet" (Who knows). I bought that album many years back, I believe in 1992 or so. I didn't understand anything on the album, except for when my swedish friend would traslate it, and I still memorized every song, replaying that tape until it now can't be played.

Lisa sings in English and in Swedish. I prefer her english songs, as they tend to be a different sound. More jazz, and a little bit more sassy. There is noone I have ever heard that sounds like Lisa. She is a Swedish Pixie who could capture anyones musical heart. Absolute must have album.

When Did You Leave Heaven?
Average customer rating:
When Did You Leave Heaven?

Manufacturer: Fine Arts Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000CAGOGW
Release Date: 2004-01-13

"When Did You Leave Heaven?"
Average customer rating:
"When Did You Leave Heaven?"
Paul Seaforth
Manufacturer: Rhombus Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Blues | Styles | Music
General | Jazz | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000BS4W8C
Release Date: 2005-10-25

Tracks:

Dedicated To You
On Green Dolphin Street
Kindness
I Didn't Know About You
When Did You Leave Heaven?
You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To
Tonight's A Night For Love
Caravan
My One And Only Love
Young And Foolish
Like Someone In Love
You're Nearer

Product Description

Trad Jazz Vocal

Average customer rating:

When Did You Leave Heaven
Lisa Ekdahl
Manufacturer: Bmg
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00005EHG1
Release Date: 1997-06-21

Music:

Music

Music