Queen Latifah's latest album, out September 28th, is an excursion into classic covers (and the cover above isn't so bad either).
Having conquered hip-hop, television, and film, the Queen is now taking on herself, so to speak, with The Dana Owens Album (produced by Arif Mardin and Ron Fair), wherein she recorded twelve of her favorite soul, blues and pop songs ranging from the '20s to the '70s.
The Queen was inspired to cut loose on 20th century standards by the success of her Oscar-nominated performance as Mama Morton in Chicago, where she proved herself a singer to be reckoned with, delivering the goods on “When You’re Good to Mama” and other songs.
Among the tunes on the album are gems from the Al Green (who joins in for a duet on his "Simply Beautiful"), Peggy Lee, Cannonball Adderly, Dr. Buzzard’s Original Savannah Band, José Feliciano and Barbara Lewis repertoires.
Exclusively to we groover-devils here at Blogcritics are a number of full-length, sneak preview numbers from the album. First, check out an extended video preview of recording studio snippets and Dana Owens herself discussing thoughts on the record here (Real) (Windows Media).
Next, bask in Mardin's full swinging orchestration and Latifah's impressive take on Dinah Washington's bluesy "Baby Get Lost" (WM) (Real). Her singing is unmannered, fully present and totally convincing. Would the music be of interest if you didn't know who the singer was? The answer is a resounding yes. In addition to proving she has the chops, her taste is also impeccable: nothing showy or ostentatious, her phrasing subtle and assured.
Bill Withers' “The Same Love that Made Me Laugh” (WM) (Real) is equally impresive, a smooth soul workout with swirling strings and classic '70s wah-wah guitar bolstering the Queen's emotional but always in-control vocal.
She delivers a smoking slow-burn, Nina Simone-inspired take on Screamin' Jay Hawkins's "I Put a Spell On You" (WM) (Real), with profound piano backing from no less than Herbie Hancock.
The final available track is a captivating, lightly-Latin rendition of the Mamas and the Papas' tale of wistful geographic displacement, "California Dreamin'" (WM) (Real), a surprising and audacious arrangement that works like a languid dream.
I can't wait to hear the rest of this thing - I am sitting here, frankly, stunned. Is there anything Dana Owens can't do?
Article comments
— go to most recent comments1 - Lono
ok, I am a pig. I have never heard her music and have no intention to. She is a cool actress and is very hot. Thanks for the cleavage bonus.
2 - Eric Olsen
Lono, do yourself a favor and click on any of the audio streams above. It will cost you nothing but a few moments and I assure you that you will, at minimum, appreciate and respect the level of her talent. And perhaps you will like the music as much as I do.
And racks are always a welcome bonus.
3 - Lee
I am not a rap fan, but when I heard a couple of the tracks from Queen Latifah's Dana Owens CD I couldn't wait to get it. I got it, lovin it and am pleasantly surprised and pleased with Ms Q's versatility on each of the cuts. She could forget her old "day job i.e. rap: and concentrate on these ballads and jazz type numbers, plus her acting. She is da bomb.
4 - Eric Olsen
thanks Lee, I agree entirely - having not yet seen Chicago, imagine my surprise!
5 - Bill Lamb
Thanks Eric - for those of us lucky enough to have seen Queen Latifah in both 'Living Out Loud' and 'Chicago' this album comes as no surprise. She was interviewed on NPR yesterday and was her stunning, gracious self. They played a snippet of her duet with Al Green on 'Simply Beautiful' - all I can say is WOW!
6 - Eric Olsen
Bill et al, check out the actual music by clicking on the new banner at the top of the page. I really hope the public responds to this (the album, not the banner)
7 - Bill Lamb
My wife and I went out and bought the CD last night. The track that most knocks me out is 'Simply Beautiful' with Al Green since I have the whole thing now.
I still haven't come down on exactly what I think of 'California Dreamin'...it is a very interesting arrangement, but those Mamas and the Papas harmonies...I don't know.
Latifah said in her interview she's always known how to sing, but she became a rapper first because that was where she was culturally, and what her friends were doing, and, besides, she was good at it. She considers herself an accomplished rapper, actor, singer, and businesswoman. I agree.
8 - Eric Olsen
yes, she's Oprah Jr.
9 - Russell
Close your eyes, turn that jungle music down and listen to something truly beautiful!
You will hear shades of Billy Holiday, Ella Fitsgerald, Natalie Cole, Diana Krall and many of Dana's mentors, contemporaries and idols who have influenced and shaped her into the amazing, accomplished, multitalented performer she is today.
This is simply a great album. A mix of standards, classics and favorites that will apeal to a broad spectrum of real music connoissoeurs.
Some people may have not heard this Queen really sing before but they will now ! She first made her mark as a rapper then moved on to acting, tv, films and multimedia.
This Jersey Girl is beautiful, intelligent, tasteful, multitalented, with great taste. AND this diva can really sing !
Don't miss this one !!
You will be very pleasantly surprised.
10 - Eric Olsen
thanks Russell, glad you liked it too; but remember, jungle music can be beautiful too
11 - Marlene
Does anyone know how to contact Queen Latifah?
It is urgent!
Thank You
12 - Eric Olsen
try the record label
13 - Aud
I am involved with some work in Africa that Queen Latifah would love, and we would adore her to be involved. Does anyone know how to reach her, in addition to her record label and book publisher? Thank you! achee22@aol.com
14 - Eric Olsen
her production company?
15 - Vee
Thsi woman is ALL THAT!! As a 50 something Babyboomer, she has hit a button and I will forever give her praise!! "Simply Beautiful" indeed!!
16 - shadey nick
I too am trying to contact dana... well, actually not her, but her brother; anyone with an email addy where I can send an email to her?
17 - Dan
I saw a picture of what they say is her son playing for the Iowa Hawkeyes. Is that true? Now I know she is the perfect woman. Looks, talent and a Hawkeye!!!! It dosen't get any better than that!!!!
18 - Rebekah
I love rap and all kinds of diffrent music but I neva realy got into jazz.ButI heard Queen Latifah on the enternet one day and now i'm hooked! Its hard to get a 13 yr. old hooked on jazz! she's beautiful,funny and a great singer/actress and multitalented too!can it get any better? she is my Idol I hope to be like her when im older,I loved to sing before I heard of her but now I've kicked it up some I hope to meet her and tell her myself that shes an insparation to me!
19 - Rebekah
I just got to watch Chicago the movie and Queen Latifah was great in it...I'm shure all you guys did! it was a little revealing but thats the first "moma" I've seen that could show off her beauty like that and get away with it! lol
personaly: shes my Idol and I couldent care less how she looks!
luv,
Bekah .C. Coolidge!
20 - ladi alapini
hi just wanted to find out how i can link up with dana owens manager or managing agency.
21 - ladi alapini
infact she is God's gift to some of us although im not a singer nor an actor but each time i watch her perform either singing or acting i wish i could turn the hands of time back to some 20yrs back so that i can start a career in singing or acting.
i still need a contact address to her managing agency. ASAP pls.
22 - Andy P.
I just returned from Southern Decadence. The New Orleans celebration was only missing one thing... the Queen! I would be honored to be her escort to the 2007 Southern Decadence. Contact me at anytime if you would consider joining me and a few thousand of my closest friends.
23 - RODGERS GRANT
Hello Dana.
I am a 71 year old composer who loves your beautiful voice. I would like for you to please lend an ear to my offering of an original composition entitled, "Only At Lonely Times". It would be considered an honor if you'd just listen to it, then make up your mind to opt if you can use it or not. It is a demo of about 3 minutes which I can boastfully say you will not be disappointed. All I ask is a chance to be heard. Please give me an address where I can send it in an attachment along with the sheet music. I am thanking you in advance. Take care of you and yours. Bye for now.
SINCERELY
RODGERS GRANT
24 - Candy
h3ii i ritin cuz im doin a project on Dana Owens aka Queen Latifah i a huge fan of i listen her music and i aways wanted to talk to her in person and i would love to meet her one day and maybe i can see her Newark where she was born so please dont delete this comment thanks so much your <3number 1 fan<3 Candy
25 - Mary Anne
I'm looking for either sheet music or karaoke type background for Dana Owens' version of California Dreamin.' I've checked the major sheet music and karaoke sites.....anyone know where I can find them?