Whisper My NameDJ Fazio at thejazznation.com

She’s a voice for every woman and one that every man could listen to. Hailing from Australia, Louise Perryman sings universal emotions, bearing their smooth soul, yet revealing raw edges. Joining her are celebrated Aussie musicians: Peter Northcote (guitar), Bill Risby (piano), and on drums, Kere Buchanan (who co-wrote all but one song). Whisper My Name is Perryman’s 4th album and with it she brings a depth… an honesty, that is so refreshing! Skillfully utilizing life’s experiences, she penned all lyrics and co-wrote all tunes. The message is clear and Louise Perryman delivers it resoundingly on her latest CD Whisper My Name.

Opening with the title track, Whisper My Name, this mid-tempo number is the perfect way to begin. With anticipation and confidence, Perryman brings beautiful vocal phrasing while Northcote adds a bluesy feel on guitar. This is a melody with great repose and will dwell on your mind. Play Your Game slows the pace with a more serious tone and offers an epiphany about a relationship in question. Perryman displays a vocal range that is so effortless and her wonderful talent is furthered on the tune Stay, an emotional ballad beginning quietly, then escalating with a crescendo into chafed emotion. Strong guitar lines underscore the musical experience brilliantly on this one! Prayer For You (for Oscar), comforts with gospel elements and powerful/tender words. There’s a strength and conviction of prayer.

Perryman then gets vampy on the retro-vibed Everybody Need A Little Love. You’ll love the attitude percolating from this tune as Risby lays down some smokin’ keyboard work (reminding me of the Jeff Lorber style) while Northcote and Leon Gaer get funky on guitars and bass. The award-winning song Thinkin’ Too Much (1999 Australian Songwriters’ Association R & B Song of the Year) is such a pleasure to listen to! These lyrics have a natural rhythm and the hip guitars & scatting by John Bettison, plus keyboard solo by Brendan St. Ledger bring it all together! The tune This Is Heaven gets vulnerable. Layin’ it out there with a true expression of love, this song basks in sentiments! Perryman then concludes her impressive disc with the song, You Can’t Stop Me Now. Bold and in your face, with a big horn section to match, you won’t stop dancin’ to this one! I love it!

Perryman’s latest album, Whisper My Name, showcases original music, intelligent lyrics and performances that transcend categorization. Whether you whisper, sing, or shout it out, one thing’s for sure… you won’t forget her name. It’s Louise Perryman, and she’s all that, plus so much more!

D.J. Fazio

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