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THE SONGSTRESS
Anita Baker
Beverly Glen Music BG 10002
Bad. Bad. Bad.
Everybody who's heard this lady spinning on my turntable has volunteered an unequivocal "bad," followed by a "Who is this anyway?" The songstress is certainly a very impressive, solo recording debut for one Anita Baker. For once a label has come with a title that fits what is happening with the artist. Ms. Baker is definitely skilled in the business of bringing life to song.
First -- the voice. Full, dark, a bit husky, wonderfully emotive, warm, glowing with very good lows and the range to soar octaves. Ms. Baker has traces of everything from Chaka Khan to Phoebe Snow in her technique. On the slower material, she has a sound very close to the earthiness that Alicia Myers is into. At times she suggests an Angela Bofill influence, but it's all been melded into a very personal style.
What distinguishes Ms. Baker most is her way of twisting,...