BWW CD Review: Lea DeLaria's HOUSE OF DAVID is Jazzy Genius

Earlier this summer Ghostlight Records released Lea DeLaria's HOUSE OF DAVID, an album that serves as a jazz tribute to David Bowie. Each of the twelve tracks has been pristinely arranged by Lea DeLaria, who is best known for her portrayal of Carrie "Big Boo" Black on Netflix's hit show Orange in the New Black. Across the recording, Lea DeLaria pays fascinating homage to David Bowie's original genius while creating wholly original and spellbinding versions of these well-known and beloved tunes.

The album opens with a dance inducing iteration of "Fame," which perfectly seduces the listener into the album. Lea DeLaria's boldly hued alto instrument charms, even if it seems to lack tonal finesse on the track. Without hesitation, her vocal timbre becomes sweetly smoky and beguiling on "Space Oddity." Here she focuses her instrument, delivering softer vocals sans rough edges, showcasing her vocal versatility. Following the cherished but lengthy instrumental break, Lea DeLaria comes back in, singing with stirring urgency. Staying true to David Bowie's original narrative, she reworks the song's plot to make it perfectly fit the jazz genre and leaves listeners feeling many things except blue.

The bossa nova approach to "Golden Years" makes the tune warm. With radiant vocals and assistance from Kevin Hays solos on the Fender Rhodes, Lea DeLaria paints vivid images of youthful, tanned bodies dancing on a summery beach in the golden light of the glimmering sun. Her spin on "Suffragette City" has a decidedly beatnik angle, and she cleverly mixes in breaks filled with the hallmark nonsense syllables of this jazz idiom. Janis Siegel's sultry vocals on the track are inspired as well, helping Lea DeLaria transport the listener to the era of beatnik poetry.

Her takes on "Starman," "Boys Keep Swinging," and "The Jean Genie" are vibrant jazz versions of the tunes. "Starman" begins as a subdued ballad, but grows into a fast paced showcase for Lea DeLaria's scatting skills and Kevin Hays frenetic yet melodious abilities on the piano. "Boys Keep Swinging" and "The Jean Genie" feature sprightly accompaniments from the backing band, brining indelible buoyancy to the tracks. "Rebel Rebel" works as jazzy, rock ballad. The mild tempo, catchy hooks, and Lea DeLaria's bewitching rock vocals make the song a true gem. "Let's Dance" is driven by Tony Scherr's acoustic bass and made fresh with Lea DeLaria's impressive scatting.

"Life on Mars" was given a cultural rebirth when it found its way into American Horror Story: Freak Show in late 2014, but here Lea DeLaria delivers the best cover of the song I have ever heard. She fills the number with poignant yet subtle heartache. Not shying away from raw edges on the vocal line, she sings the song in a manner that forces you to listen to the devastating lyrics. If for no other reason, this is the track that makes this an album a must own for fans of evocative composition, emotional storytelling, and music in general.

The gospel approach given to "Modern Love," turns the song into a soul lifting experience. Lea DeLaria puts the full power of her belt on display for the song's climax, wailing with tangible passion. She then closes the album with "Young Americans," belting with resplendent displays of energy and emotion.

Listening to the record, one can only hope that Lea DeLaria's busy schedule will give her the opportunity to share these songs in live performances with audiences. This album begs to be promoted through a tour of the world's favorite cabaret rooms, dive bars, jive bars, and classy but intimate venues. In the meantime, inviting Lea DeLaria into our living rooms, cars, and earbuds is the best anyone can hope for, and HOUSE OF DAVID is well worth it. There's not a single bad track on the record, even for someone (like myself) who's not really a fan of jazz.

Ghostlight Records released Lea DeLaria's HOUSE OF DAVID digitally on June 23, 2015. Physical copies were released on July 24, 2015. The album can be purchased from Ghostlight Records' online store, iTunes, Amazon, and elsewhere music is sold.

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