Although vocalist
Rachelle Ferrell is a bizarre singer whose idiosyncratic style is often at odds with her mainstream material, fans of the singer will certainly find much to enjoy on
Live at Montreux. The CD collects various performances
Ferrell gave at the Swiss music festival from 1991 to 1997. Primarily a jazz singer,
Ferrell has also made forays into R&B and often melds the two styles. Prone to showcasing her six-octave range, she often accents songs in odd places, displays myriad vocal stylings in one phrase, and basically over-sings much of the time. Think of her as a combination of
Betty Carter and
Patti Labelle and you might enjoy yourself. Much of the first set on
Live at Montreux features songs off her 1989 debut, First Instrument. Ending that set is "Prayer Dance," which spotlights
Ferrell seemingly mimicking the high, laser tones of a theremin. Special guest pianist
George Duke also makes an appearance. ~ Matt Collar