Truly unique, Krystle Warren turned away offers from major record companies who threatened to compromise her artistic integrity, instead opting for the indie alternative. The Kansas born singer is based in Paris, which lends to her interesting fusion of soul, jazz, country and folk. With deep contralto vocals, Warren has been likened to Nina Simone and fellow folk singer Tracy Chapman. In Love Songs her powerful but breathy voice blends between soulful balladry, intertwining elements of ragtime, lively swing, gospel and country. With a remarkable vocal rage her brassy voice murmurs yearning and bliss throughout the album, creating strong crescendos based against a minimal musical background. The stand-out track is You Can Take Me With You. A song layered with ethereal harmonies, it is one that displays Warren’s range with elegance and beauty. She wields together elements of jazz piano with blues guitar, topped with her soulful voice.
BY TAMARA VOGL
Best Track: You Can Take Me With You
If You Like These, You’ll Like This: NINA SIMONE, JANELLE MONAE, TRACY CHAPMAN
In A Word: Rare
