Queer Music / Queer Culture (January 18-24, 1998)
THE OUT LIST: (Albums of interest to the queer communities)
by Daniel Jenkins
With A Song In My Heart
by HOLLY NEAR (on the Calico Tracks Music label)
What can you say about a vocalist as near-legendary in the lesbian and gay communities as Holly Near that hasn't already been said? Near has released a gorgeous work with the help of pianist John Bucchino. With A Song In My Heart is a collection of musical standards from the '30s, '40s and '50s. She dedicates these songs to her parents who enjoyed these tunes in their youth.
From the beginning strains of Love Is Here To Stay , Near whisks you into familiar territory.... songs that you know in your subconscious, even if you were born in the '60s and beyond. These are feel-good songs of yesteryear and listening to the album is much like taking a step back to seemingly simpler times.
Holly's vocals have a way of just wrapping around your senses. I found myself quite happy to relax and lose myself in her songs. Intermingled with Bucchino's piano, the album has a romantic and elegant feel. The songs range from the familiar (You'd Be So Nice To Come HomeTo/Easy To Love ) to the romantic (What Are You Doing New Year's Eve? ) to the delightfully uplifting (When Somebody Thinks You're Wonderful ). There's bound to be a song or two in here that you may not be familiar with as well. I don't remember ever hearing Old Devil Moon before, but hearing Holly's version was a great way to be introduced to the tune.
Holly Near always evokes the joy of singing and the love of song. You can really feel it in this album. I rather enjoyed it.