RCA Victor
Jazz, 2000

Popular Swedish pop/jazz singer Lisa Ekdahl’s thin, sweet voice may be criticized for being all wrong for the jazz genre, but I think in this, her latest, the voice brings out the best in the music perfectly. It’s also worth noting that Salvadore Poe is her ex-boyfriend. Obviously there is no love lost when they go their separate ways, because he produces this album alongside her and Magnus Lindren.

Hence, there are nice, torchy, happy tunes like I Will Be Blessed and Daybreak. The production is top notch, and the music is perfect for some romance, candlelight, and champagne. But the happy mood can be monotonous – even on songs of heartbreak like Since You’ve Been Gone, Ms Ekdahl doesn’t seem to be able to vary her chirpy voice much.

Still, sometimes I do need some time off for champagne, love, and music, and Lisa Ekdahl Sings Salvadore Poe fits the bill perfectly.