CD review by John McBeath, courtesy of The Australian
There are two back-stories to this, the seventh album by Australian vocalist Chris McNulty who’s been New York based for almost 28 years. The most poignant is that the album celebrates the life of her son Sam – aka hip-hop artist/composer Chap One – who passed away in 2011. The singer notes that the time since that event has been the hardest of her life.
The second point is that in an attempt to start afresh McNulty is moving back to Australia in October to reside in Melbourne.
Eternal is a superb amalgamation of an award-winning vocalist, a chamber ensemble orchestrated by Brisbane pianist/arranger Steve Newcomb, and a jazz quintet, arranged and led by pianist John Di Martino who adds several appropriate solos.
The songs are mostly classics, some not so well known, plus a McNulty original. The opener, The Saga of Harrison Crabfeathers is a not often heard song with perfectly suitable lyrics of lament exquisitely delivered, and includes a soft wordless passage: a deeply moving experience, as are all of these heartfelt songs.
What Are You Doing The Rest of Your Life takes on an ethereal quality as the chamber ensemble of strings and woodwinds underscores McNulty’s elemental outpouring and Matt Jodrell’s trumpet brings a solo of cosmic intensity.
Stardust; Nature Boy; On a Clear Day; Where Is Love; indeed all 12 of these songs are elegantly produced and sung with McNulty’s uniquely emotive vocal interpretation, including an impressive upper-register reach.
This is an unforgettable collection of songs of sorrow but with a beauty that ultimately achieves a transcending quality.
