|
|
 |
|
|
Star Turtle
by Jen Pieters
The Boston Phoenix, 5-12 September 1996
With a part in Independence Day and a new baby, Harry Connick,
Jr. has been busy. Not too busy to release a new album, though. Star
Turtle, an intimate celebration of New Orleans style jazz, will
surprise listeners who associate Connick solely with big-band music.
This album tells the story of a space turtle on a quest for music to
save his planet. In a series of dialogues interspersed with new songs,
Connick takes the "reptilian rocketeer" on a tour of New Orleans clubs
and back alleys.
Even as he crosses musical styles, Connick hasn't forgotten how to
swing. On "How Do Y'all Know" the vocals and bass groove along easily
until they're joined by a playful brass section. Throughout Star
Turtle Connick shows off on a variety of instruments, including
piano, clarinet, mini-moog, and trumpet. Unfortunately, the middle
tracks blend together indistinguishably; the one exception is an
irritating use of wah-wah by guitarist Jonathan DuBose Jr. on "Little
Farley." Connick is at his best when he allows himself to get sentimental,
as on the peaceful "Hear Me in the Harmony" or "City Beneath the Sea,"
a love song to New Orleans. By the end of the tour the turtle is
satisfied; you will be too.
|
|
|
