Clearly, downtown is where the heart of Dayna Kurtz beats. With a throaty delivery that ranges from tuneless recitation to Annie Lennox-like declamation, Kurtz sings her heartbreak epics over an intriguing combination of empathetic rhythm section and string quartet, with accordion, violin, and other bohemian touches added for spice. It's easy to imagine her on a stool in a cigarette-swirled spotlight, eyes closed, whispering "you're scared to fly, and I'm scared to land" as bluesy piano and full-bodied acoustic bass cast ...
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Clearly, downtown is where the heart of Dayna Kurtz beats. With a throaty delivery that ranges from tuneless recitation to Annie Lennox-like declamation, Kurtz sings her heartbreak epics over an intriguing combination of empathetic rhythm section and string quartet, with accordion, violin, and other bohemian touches added for spice. It's easy to imagine her on a stool in a cigarette-swirled spotlight, eyes closed, whispering "you're scared to fly, and I'm scared to land" as bluesy piano and full-bodied acoustic bass cast noir shadows over "Last Good Taste." References to stage diving on "'Miss Liberty" nod toward contemporary elements, but Kurtz's language more often evokes a timeless cabaret ambience, its fatalistic nostalgia underscored by primarily non-electric instrumentation, melodramatic dynamics, and frequent use of a sensuous waltz or 6/8 meter. When her mentor, Richie Havens, makes a guest appearance on "Somebody Leave the Light On," his sandpapery timbre works as an orchestral element within an unusually turbulent changor; even as he chants "Sh*t, this town is nowhere," the familiarity of his voice provides a beacon for the listener, like a soulful sax sounding within a wash of atonality. Yet this album is entirely Kurtz's; while possibly too arty to curry widespread success, Postcards From Downtown is more than enough evidence of a major talent at work. ~ Robert L. Doerschuk, Rovi
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Add this copy of Postcards From Downtown to cart. $5.99, very good condition, Sold by Half Price Books Inc rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Dallas, TX, UNITED STATES, published 2005 by Kismet / Mri.
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Add this copy of Postcards From Downtown to cart. $12.81, like new condition, Sold by Streetlight_Records rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Santa Cruz, CA, UNITED STATES, published 2002 by Kismet / Mri.
Add this copy of Postcards From Downtown to cart. $37.49, new condition, Sold by Music Fiendz rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from South Hackensack, NJ, UNITED STATES, published 2002 by Kismet / Mri.