Rock Archeologia

Sue Barker - Same (1976) 

Artist: Sue Barker
Album: Sue Barker
Label: Crest International
Catalog#: CRT-036
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: Australia
Released: 1976
Genre: Soul-Jazz, Jazz-Funk
Duration: 00:38:46

•  I must say that my first thought on sighting this album was — 'who's equipped to do a set of songs ranging in style from Duke Ellington and Billie Holliday through to Marvin Gaye and James Taylor?'
• Well, the girl with the 'equipment' is certainly Sue Barker of Adelaide (Australia's perennial producers of top Australian musical talent). Her enthusiasm and enjoyment are evident, and contagious, right through this collection of songs of today, yesterday and a few yesterdays before that.
• Actually this is more than just a vocal record — there's lots of space for instrumental solos and Sue's compatibility with her musicians is a most important element in the album's success. Grahame Conlon's arrangements are simple and uncluttered, leaving Sue's voice to slot in like another instrumental part. I confess I've been trying to avoid describing Ms. Barker as a 'jazz singer' because, through the years, I've upset lots of vocalists by giving them that tag. I think they've been fearful of being 'typecast' and having their commercial appeal injured.
• But if 'jazz singer' means using time, harmony and phrasing like an improvising jazz instrumentalist, then Sue Barker is it! And so was Frank Sinatra who for many years was voted top jazz singer by readers of Downbeat magazine. Alright Adelaide, you've been selfishly sheltering and savouring Sue Barker and her musicians for far too long. Now the time has come for the rest of Australia to enjoy her talents.
• Verdict: How sweet it is. Just right for Groovin on a Sunday afternoon — and that's my favorite time of the week! ~ Ralph Rickman

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 • Side One:
A1. How Sweet It Is 04:03
A2. You Stepped Out Of A Dream 03:16
A3. Do Nothing Till You Hear From Me 04:12
A4. Love To The People 04:31
A5. Groovin' 03:09
 • Side Two:
B1. I Heard It Through The Grapevine 03:37
B2. 6345789 03:38
B3. Lover Man 05:13
B4. What's Going On 04:06
B5. Think 02:32

       Arrangements: Grahame
      Conlon Recorded: Pepper Studios, Adelaide. S.A.
      Audio: Colin Freeman
      Cover Photography: Doug Nicholas
      Cover Design: Returb Studios, Melbourne
      Record and Cover Copyright Productions
      of Sound and Film Australia Pty. Ltd.

Personel:
Bass - Geoff Kluke
Drums - Dean Birbeck
Guitar - Grahame Conlon
Keyboards - Phil Cunneen
Saxophone - Rob Jeffries, Sylvan Elkay
Trumpet - Fred Payne
Vocals - Sue Barker

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