Featured Artist: Sofia Laiti

CD Title: You Don't Know Me

Year: 2004

Record Label: Independent

Style: Jazz Vocals

Musicians: Sofia Laiti, vocals. Houston Person, saxophone. Larry Ham, piano. Leon Lee Dorsy, bass. Vince Ector, drums.

Review: The seductive Finnish vocals are almost Dietrich-esk as Sofia Laiti introduces you to her distinct interpretation of jazz vocals with "You Don't Know Me" released by Midnight Sun Music Production. Embracing such classic hits as I'm In The Mood For Love, The Way We Were, and I'll Never Smile Again, Ms. Laiti brings her own unique style and tempo to these ageless songs. Make no mistake about Ms. Laiti; even with the language barrier she ignites the feelings that were meant to be felt when these songs first hit the charts.

Side by side with Ms. Laiti are tenor saxophonist Houston Person, pianist Larry Ham, bassist Leon Dorsey, and drummer Vince Ector, all who bring a fresh and crisp sound to the project.

One will notice right out of the box the deep bodacious tones coming from within Ms. Laiti's small frame. This is a fresh, deeply sensual at times, new sound that takes jazz in a new direction. One can experience that sound when listening to I'm In The Mood For Love and the Piaf standard, La Vie En Rose. Both percolate with seduction and that café type romance Hollywood made so famous.

Ms. Laiti more than any cut on this project, scripts vocally her signature out on title song "You Don't Know Me". The sax in this composition is very prominent and makes this effort stand out. The backdrop of ivories assists in delivering the romantic message.

To listen is to know Ms. Laiti. Then maybe you will "Know Her".

Karl Stober is an international freelance columnist and broadcaster who can be reached at jazztrenzz@bellsouth.net. Karl can also be reached at 1-802-380-6065.

Reviewed by: Karl Stober

Click here for printer-friendly version of review.

Send this page to a friend.