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THE REVIEW
"Surrender", "Break out", "Twilight world"... second half of the 80s, these songs accompanied us for quite some time, they were a novelty, a new way to interpret "sophisticated" music with a pop twist.
Jazz and soul skillfully mixed together, with a generous sprinkle of light and appealing pop and a truly elegant and sensual voice.
Corinne Drewery, former model, former fashion creator, coming from the countryside of Northern England, moved to a vibrant London, where the "new wave" was discovering new forms of expression with artists like Simply Red, Style Council, Sade.
Corinne met Martin Jackson (formerly of Magazine) and Andy Connel (formerly A Certain Ratio). Thus, the Swing out sister was born.
Their debut album, “It’s Better To Travel” (1987), a mix of pop, soul, and jazz, climbed the charts. The most successful single, “Breakout”, captured the audience and was hummed everywhere.
The next album, “Kaleidoscope World” (1989), a small masterpiece, almost a tribute to the first Burt Bacharach, however, did not receive the success it deserved.
The trio, meanwhile became a duo due to Jackson's departure, continued to produce albums mostly for the Japanese market, where they still had good success in sales and public approval.
In 2017, their latest studio work, "Almost Persuaded", after 15 years of silence, was released in Europe as well. A truly remarkable work.
But in these 15 years, they did not stand still, they continued to play live and with great success, especially in Japan.
This 2012 DVD pleasantly celebrates the musical years of SOS. A recording of some concerts in Japan, in front of an attentive, enthusiastic, and at the same time respectful audience for the music and the artists.
The pleasant surprise is that these are acoustic live performances. Piano, guitars, double bass, wind instruments, and a strange series of particularly unique percussions, form the ensemble of excellent musicians accompanying Corinne. Of course, we see Connel on the piano.
Jazz and soul arrangements created with taste and lightness rejuvenate historical pieces like "Surrender", "Break out", "You on my mind", the latter truly moving and in a style decidedly close to the great Burt Bacharach.
And Corinne, 53 years old at the time of the concerts (2012), displays a splendid voice, and a remarkable jazzy grit.
I recommend this DVD to all those who love good music that doesn't necessarily have to be difficult and impenetrable. These are light tracks but ones that offer emotions and listening pleasure in abundance. Shouldn't that be the "job" of good music?
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Summary by Bot
This review highlights Swing Out Sister's 2012 live DVD 'Private View + Tokyo Stories,' showcasing acoustic performances of their 80s hits and later work. Corinne Drewery’s vocal elegance shines alongside tasteful jazz and soul arrangements. The DVD captures the duo’s success in Japan and their ability to offer engaging, accessible music with emotional depth. Recommended for fans who appreciate sophisticated yet approachable music.Tracklist Lyrics
01 Private View (00:00)
02 Tokyo Stories (00:00)
03 Bonus (00:00)
05 Now You're Not Here (Taj Calder Instrumental) (03:29)
06 You On My Mind (03:48)
07 It May Not Be Enough (Interlude) (02:35)
08 La La Means I Love You (04:26)
09 And The Flowers Will Grow (Interlude) (02:23)
10 Am I The Same Girl? (05:40)
12 Breakout (Fabulous Party Mix) (03:16)
13 Mama Didn't Raise No Fool (04:38)
14 Prelude (02:15)
15 Now You're Not Here (05:42)
16 Trombone Kimono (03:01)
17 Nature Boy (02:53)
18 Alpine Crossing (05:08)
19 Tune In/Tune Up (02:05)
20 Who's Been Sleeping (03:52)
21 Spooky Backstage (01:32)
22 Stoned Soul Picnic (06:27)
23 Flugel Noodle (00:23)
24 Breakout Encore (03:54)
25 Twilight World (03:59)
26 Happy Ending (01:24)
28 Opium Kiss (08:17)
29 Breakout Slow (04:27)
30 Crazy Radio (01:15)
31 Good Morning Tokyo (00:48)
33 Butterfly (04:10)
34 You On My Mind (03:40)
35 Trippin' On Trains (01:02)
Swing Out Sister
Swing Out Sister are an English pop/sophisti-pop group formed in the mid-1980s, fronted by vocalist Corinne Drewery with Andy Connell. Their 1987 debut It's Better To Travel featured the hit single "Breakout".01 Reviews
