Though there's no mistaking the expressive, clear-as-a-bell vocals of Randy Crawford, journalists often get the spelling of her name wrong. Thus, with recognition of her chops established, it was on to the task of making sure folks got the name right.
Hence the origin of the title of her latest album, Every Kind Of Mood--Randy, Randi, Randee. "I think the title is pretty," muses the veteran R&B artist, whose radiant smile is nearly as legendary as her voice. "During the course of my travels, people ask me how to spell my name. So this is a melodic way of letting people know."
Every Kind Of Mood--Randy, Randi, Randee also lets listeners know just how much talent Crawford possesses. Produced by German producer Mousse T. , whose credits include working with Prince and U2, and his partner Jens Krause, the album blends easy-listening jazz riffs with friendly, rhythm-influenced pop melodies.
The full-bodied string, key and horn arrangements of the album beckon listeners into the psyche of an artist whose career not only spans three decades, but who is still creating vital music today. "I choose songs with lyrics that I can relate to," she says, "stories that I've actually experienced or am going through at the time."
"Breaking Down," the set's melancholy lead track, describes a lonely woman's longing to be rescued by a "knight in shining armor." The powerful acoustic piano line and strong, heart-laden string arrangement make the song a distinct mood-setter. The album's first single, "Bye Bye," is a sobering requiem for a romantic relationship gone bad. Bittersweet beats combine with Crawford's soaring but lamenting wails, while the classic melody rings with a certain instant familiarity.
"Unwounded" is an ode to utter courage prevails set to midtempo, unrelenting percussion, while "Are You Sure" details the uncertainty and insecurity one encounters on a risky journey into love. For a change of mood, Crawford also delivers a very danceable cover of the popular "Wishing On A Star."
Personal concerns regarding saddening matters such as war, poverty and the plight of the homeless has weighed heavy on Crawford's soul lately, resulting in the recording of "Changes," a melancholy, midtempo ballad. "Fortunately, those issues weren't on the top of my mind when I was recording," she concedes. "But these days, it's still made my brain and body tired. So I'm sleeping a lot."
Over the course of her career, Crawford has worked with the likes of Quincy Jones, Cannonball Adderley and George Benson. And although she hasn't gained the widespread notoriety in America, her global prestige is second to none. She has sung at command performances before Pope John Paul II in the Vatican at Christmas, and has appeared in concert in South Africa for South African President Nelson Mandela. She's also collaborated with Italian superstar Zucchero in a rare concert performance at the Kremlin in Moscow.
"I hope I will always sing," relates the artist as she reflects on her long, critically acclaimed career. "I'm not sure where my career is going next, but I don't want to do anything else."
