When I tell you it seems to me that a great deal of thought has gone into Who Knows Where the Time Goes, I refer not just to well-designed, tasteful moods created in sound and singer Rondi Charleston’s own pensive, sensitive lyrics on five of the twelve tracks. The “thought process” on display in phrasing and attitude is prodigious, appearing to come from a deep well of feelings and intellectual analysis willingly embraced. Singing with quiet
intensity, there’s a life-affirming agenda of someone studiously examining, processing and relishing experiences. “I have painfully turned every stone just to find I have found what I search to discover” she sings, convincingly, in Stevie Wonder’s suddenly-deepened “Overjoyed.” South Pacific’s “This Nearly Was Mine,” well-acted, is a take-your-time lament laced with aching melancholy. Vocal production never sounds effortful; her lovely, gentle and soothing voice shows no strain or struggle. As recorded here, it can sound ethereal floating through the air or coasting on Jobim’s “Wave,” picking up hints of mystery in reflections on deeper, highly personal subjects. These include awed respect for her great-grandmother’s life and soul (“Your Spirit Lingers”) and first-hand observations of disarming reactions to a rare snowfall in Israel, related with wonder (“Land of Galilee”), two of four captivating collaborations with composer Lynne Arriale, also an impressive pianist on the CD. Guitarist Dave Stryker’s deft, dominant, evocative work establishes tone and color; he co-arranged most of the tracks with the singer. Things loosen up agreeably on the atypically gutsy “Please Send Me Someone to Love” and a playfully carefree romp on “I Hear Music.” But mostly the CD is richly ruminative and/or rhapsodic….and recommended.

Rob Lester
Cabaret Scenes
May 2011
www.cabaretscenes.org