In Session

British singer Rumer offers a fresh take on some of her favorite songs off her past albums on 2025s In Session. A collaboration with London-based Australian guitarist Stefan Redtenbacher and his Funkestra, the album features a handful of both cover tunes and some of Rumers most recognized originals. Beloved for her crystal-clear vocals, a style often compared to her main influence Karen Carpenter, Rumer has carved out a discreet niche on the contemporary pop landscape, crafting throwback AM and orchestral pop albums that manage to evoke the sound of the 1960s and 70s but also sound distinctly her own. Similarly, Redtenbacher is known for his technicolor funk and large-ensemble instrumental rock albums that wouldnt sound out of place in a classic anime or spy movie. All of these qualities make their collaboration a perfect marriage of influences and style. One of the most surprising aspects of In Session is just how affecting a singer Rumer has become since her 2010 debut, Seasons of My Soul. She was always an impeccable stylist, but both the quality of her voice and her sense of phrasing have only deepened in the intervening years. Consequently, her opening cover of Richie Havens "It Could Be the First Day," and her originals "Slow," "Aretha," and "Am I Forgiven" almost transcend the original LP versions. Similarly, cuts like "Dangerous" off 2014s Into Colour and her rendition of Hugh Prestwoods "The Fate of Fireflies" off 2020s Nashville Tears offer up ever more dusky and nuanced emotions. Of course, it doesnt hurt that Redtenbacher never gets in her way, crafting earthy and sophisticated arrangements that further illuminate the live-in-studio vibe he and Rumer are going for. ~ Matt Collar

ポップ・シーンに新風を吹き込んだ初作から15年。この新作で彼女はレッテンバッハーズ・ファンケストラと組んで自身のレパートリーの再録に臨み、ときにブルージーに響くふくよかな歌声が実に絶品で、"Aretha"や"Slow"などクラシックな趣のある名曲がよりコクと旨味を増して鮮やかに蘇っている。演奏者らとの親密な掛け合いも印象的で、大変意味のあるリメイク盤と言えよう。
bounce (C)桑原シロー