Broadway veteran, wife of Latin superstar Ruben Blades, and Jazz vocalist, Luba Mason brings her sultry songs about relationships, love, and the ways of the world to music fans everywhere with Krazy Love. While technically a Jazz album, Krazy Love is drenched in plenty of World spices, most notably from Latin America and Brazil. This certainly keeps things fresh and interesting for the listener, which is not an easy task for a Jazz record that many might be tempted to write off as Easy Listening.
Luba Mason is much more than a pretty face though. Her voice is flawless. Seriously. No joke. Her voice is absolutely flawless throughout Krazy Love, perfectly accentuating each syllable and enunciating in ways that only a trained Broadway veteran could. But the real evidence of talent here is that fact that Mason penned 8 of the album’s tracks and co-produced the album with Renato Neto (Prince), who also handles piano duties on the album. The album is bolstered by the personal feel that obviously comes from Mason’s hands on approach to her songs.
Realistically, almost every song here is a highlight. “Lovely” is an upbeat, catchy tune that will stick with you long after the CD ends. “E Com Esse Que Eu Vou (And It Is With You I Go),” a duet with her husband, is a playful, sharp number that is made even better by Blades classic sounding vocal presence. The brass laden World flavor of “Gorgeous Fool” is also a highlight among highlights. Overall if you are looking for something to either relax or fall in love too then get a bottle of your favorite wine and put on Krazy Love. It’s got the cure for what ails you.
Reviewed by Mark Fisher
