Sarah Whittemore's Lovesong EP Review

    I've been waiting for this moment for years and it's finally here. Sarah Whittemore has released her first EP entitled "Lovesong." I have known Sarah for a few years and interviewed her for my blog about a year ago. During the interview process, I kept wondering when there would be a solo project. Now that it's here, I wanted to do a follow-up. First, I will note Sarah debuted on the Jazz charts on ITunes at #1! 

     There are 6 songs and I will review each. First off, I want to say I love how this EP showcases Orlando talent from producer, musicians, background vocalist to featured artists almost all of this talent is local and that is my 2nd favorite thing about it. (1st being Sarah's vocals.)

    First up, the Judy Garland original, "Zing! Went the Strings of My Heart" this track features "Resolve", a talented Orlando based group. When it started I was intrigued and it sounds fine but thought "hmmm maybe this isn't the song I thought it was" about 55 seconds in Sarah sings "Dear when you smiled at me." I not only recognized the song but was also sold. The vocals are incredible.

    Next, is a Voctave tune "Nature Boy" originally Nat King Cole. Sarah is part of this incredible 11 part Orlando-based vocal group, led by Jamey Ray who also produced this whole album. I kind of knew this song but had never actually heard it. Let me explain, there is a Muppet Christmas tv movie with Joan Cusak and Whoopi Goldberg that has the first line and I always wondered where this song came from. Now, thanks to Sarah, I know! Voctave can make anything sound good because they are all incredibly talented.

    Third, is a true duet with Tim Davis. Tim Davis did some work with the TV show "Glee". I don't believe Tim Davis is from Orlando (to my knowledge the only person on this project who isn't.) This may be my favorite song and arrangement on the album. I didn't know this song; but, I have found myself singing it a lot lately (probably off-key.) This song is so fun and I cannot get enough!

    Fourth, "Love/It Only Takes a Moment"  medley has an awesome crew of background vocalist again most or all I believe are from the Orlando area. It is a beautiful medley. I absolutely love it! "Love" is from the 1971 animated Disney film "Robin Hood" "It Only Takes a Moment" is from "Hello Dolly" so I was familiar with both of these songs and I also can't get enough of this medley. As beautiful as Sarah's vocals are on this song when the background singers jump in I was blown away by how great they sounded.

    The last two songs are just Sarah and instruments. "Lovesong" is truly incredible. Most people know this 80's classic rock song. I love the arrangement the original song is 80's rock and this arrangement is very jazzy. Sarah made this song her own and I think it's amazing. This arrangement brings new life to this song for me and I'm here for it.

     Last up, is "What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?" I have never been a fan of Barbara; but, I know many are. I will say I think Sarah can out sing Miss Streisand any day. So this may be my least-favorite song on the album; however, Sarah made me appreciate the song a little bit more. In fact, listening to all the originals  I think Sarah can sing better than any of the original people.

    Before I end, I wanted to note that the musicians are incredible. I enjoyed that just as much as Sarah's vocals throughout! The A squad was found for this project!

    Well there ya have it. I highly recommend checking out the album. You can find it on spotify, ITunes or order a physical copy on www.sarahwhittemorevocals.com .