With her first solo album in 15 years, Basia Trzetrzelewska knocks out an intriguing and fun selection of songs. She elegantly exposes her ability to remain absolutely fresh and relevant, bowling listeners over with her absorbing blend of R&B, jazz, classic American soul, and Latin flavours.
It’s That Girl Again draws Basia back into public consciousness where she is needed badly. In a day and age of processed and compressed vocals – thanks, Auto-Tune – she is a singer with substance and a clear, charismatic, articulate voice.
Basia’s global pop/jazz sound was first introduced when the Polish singer was a vocalist with Matt Bianco. Hits like “More Than I Can Bear” and “Half a Minute” received international acclaim. Basia paired with keyboardist and composer Danny White on a debut record, Time and Tide. The album was successful in Europe and, of course, Japan. Basia and White continued to collaborate, turning out The Sweetest Illusion (1994) and landing a #1 Billboard Club Play hit with “Drunk on Love.”
With a live album (Basia on Broadway) and another Matt Bianco record in 2004 called Matt’s Mood, Basia started to get the itch to work on another solo record.
Featuring a cast of gifted musicians, including Danny White, guitarist Peter White, trumpeter Kevin Robinson, and drummer Marc Parnell, It’s That Girl Again marks a strong return for the immensely talented vocalist.
“If Not Now Then When” opens the album with pleasant guitar before rocketing off with a Latin groove. It’s a lively number that showcases Basia’s excellent vocal control and phrasing capabilities.
Her vocal pacing is on display again with “Someone For Everyone,” a rhythmic number accented by Latin splashes.
To experience Basia is to experience the total global pop star package. The instrumentation is complex but obsessively catchy, the vocals are pure and earnest, and the lyrics are charming and fun. Each number is a dedication to someone in Basia’s life, so the sense of character resonating in each tune comes from a very real place.
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Article comments
1 - Jeff
Your enthusiasm for Basia is shared by me. We do so need this music now. It instantly elevates my mood.
2 - Bill S.
I've been Listening to Basia since the mid 80's and I have her complete catalog. This new album is remarkable (not surprising here considering the talent she has) and is in no way a let down or disappointment, it stands right there with her earlier fine work! I'm not sure I'd ever call this "pop" but I understand your position regarding the outrageously disposable music being recorded and sold these days.
Thank You Basia for coming back to us, this new album is amazing!
3 - first wife
I have been a fan of Basia's since the '80's also, plus I consider her a "soul sister", since we are both Polish! I recently saw her perform in Seattle and, while I thought her voice was a little tentative on the first couple of songs, she quickly got into her groove and her voice, the music and her lyrics did not disappoint at all. Great concert! Since she doesn't tour often, I was so determined to see her perform I drove 200 miles, over a mountain pass in the first snowstorm of the season, to see her show.