Reviewing Lyn Stanley’s London Calling – A Toast to Julie London

When I reviewed Lyn’s first album, Lost in Romance, I compared her to Julie London, and I was thrilled when I heard she was making this album.  I have reviewed all of Lyn Stanley’s previous albums in their vinyl incarnations, but for London Calling – A Toast to Julie London, I listened to the digital version.

In many ways this new recording is now my favorite of her five albums. The songs selected for the album and the incredible instrumentation will keep me coming back for more. Add to this that her voice was in superb form, and you have one great record. Something else that makes this album special is that while it is a studio recording, it was recorded live without any overdubs. It was also recorded in the same United Recording Cooperation studio that Julie London, Frank Sinatra and others used in the ‘60s.

If you are not familiar with Julie London, she began as an actress in mostly B level movies and eventually starred in a successful television show in the ‘80s called Emergency. She did not begin singing professionally until she was 29, and her trademark song was “Cry Me a River”. In her short 14-year recording career, she released 31 albums that are still remembered for her sultry voice and their sensuous album jackets.

About the Album

Lyn’s tribute to London includes songs that you would expect like “Cry Me a River”,  “As Time Goes By”, and  “Call Me Irresponsible”.  While she does an exceptional job of paying tribute to Julie London, Lyn also gives her own unique interpretation to these songs.

There also songs on the album that I had not expected, but I’m thrilled that they are included. For example, the wonderful flamenco-flavored “Light My Fire” portrays a sensuous invitation that’s delightful. And, Lyn’s velvet voice and the rhythmic playing of the ensemble is very enthralling.

On London Calling – A Toast to Julie London, Lyn uses a small combo that is perfect for the arrangements of these songs, and the musicians change from track to track. They are all simply first rate by any standard, just look at this list:

Lyn Stanley, vocals
John Chiodini, featured guitar
Mike Garson, piano
Christian Jacob, piano
Chuck Berghofer, bass
Mike Velerio, bass
Paul Kreibich, drums
Aaron Serfaty, drums, percussion
Luis Conte, percussion
Brad Dutz, percussion

There are 17 tracks on the SACD and on the two-disc LP set. Twelve of these tunes will also be offered on a direct-to-disc vinyl recording. The engineering was done by Steve Genewick, Rouble Kalpoor and Spencer Garcia, mixing by Allen Sides, and mastering by Bernie Grundman.

Highly Recommended!

I’ll sum up by saying that I enjoyed every cut on this album, but the concluding number, “Summertime” with just the Lyn’s voice and the piano is stunningly beautiful. The album moves me more emotionally than any of her other albums. It is simply wonderful, and I anticipate that I will listen to this recording often in the future.

More information about the making of his album is available here on her website. Take a look! It’s well worth the read.