Being an independent, self-supporting artist for the past twenty-five years has its pros and cons. No big production or tour budgets, no marketing or public relations teams. But it allows you freedom of choice, develops drive and a deeper respect for and admiration from your supporters.

On her latest self-produced CD, Suede realized her big band dream sound with a solid collection of standard swing and ballads with a touch of blues to round out the mix. The arrangements are top notch, the horns sizzle, and each number displays Suede’s assured vocals.

The opening track, Bart Howard’s “Let Me Love You,” is a lovely big band swing version and Suede nails it. Same with the title track, a horn-driven blues number that shows off her considerable vocal range. The CD shifts from style to style effortlessly. From the Sammy Cahn/Jimmy Van Heusen cute “I Like to Lead When I Dance,” to the lovely ballads “Teach Me Tonight” and “Do It Again,” to Randy Newman’s saucy “You Can Leave Your Hat On,” Suede exudes a confidence and experience that comes from years of constant touring. Her choice of material suits her strong voice—whether it be the blues (“No Going Back” and Tom Waits’ “New Coat of Paint”) or a bold choice of the difficult Stephen Schwartz showstopper “Defying Gravity” to a swing cover of “Here’s to Life” that closes the CD.

Suede puts it all out there on Dangerous Mood and succeeds in a big way. The CD has a sumptuous big-budget sound, lovely arrangements and great backing musicians to help Suede realize her musical potential. It may also gain quite a few more fans for this seasoned performer, and that’s a good thing.

Steve Murray
Cabaret Scenes
June 2009
www.cabaretscenes.org