ALBUM REVIEW: Maree Montgomery

ALBUM: Sweet 'N Hot

ARTIST: Maree Montgomery

DATE: 21 November, 2021

Review by SHIRLEY BROUN

AUSTRALIA's `First Lady of Swing', Maree Montgomery's album `Sweet 'N Hot' has made a triumphant return to the airwaves, and I couldn't wait to secure a copy and relive the inspirational jazz recordings that have made her such a well-admired jazz favourite over the past 40 years.

I have it playing as I write and am enjoying each of the 15 tracks as they gently entertain and delight in Maree's distinct style, with every song, sung from the heart.

Maree has always had the ability and versatility to swing between a `popular singer' and a `jazz singer' and she puts the same intensity and authenticity into every genre, a fact that is obvious on her Sweet 'N Hot album.

A stunning album, the third in her career, it has that distinct Jazz Swing feel and features great classic songs as well as a selection of songs written especially for Maree.

There is a great line-up of numbers ranging from Laughter in the Rain and I'm a Woman to her title track Sweet 'N Hot and also Sydney, the Place to Be, which is another featured song arranged and performed by the renowned Ed Wilson and his Big Band.

If you have lived in Sydney, you might remember Sydney, the Place to Be from Radio 2GB for which it became the signature tune for three years. Maree also performed it to an audience of 80,000 for the Olympic celebrations in 2000, and this saw it gain international exposure across Australia, Europe, England and America.

The album is a fabulous reflection of Maree's talents. It is soft and sultry, jazzy and bluesy while also personifying the reason why this beautiful performer is our first lady of swing. I recommend you get a copy and hear it for yourself.

Maree's CD, Sweet 'n Hot, is available for purchase. Please contact Maree to order directly.

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