Morgana King

This two-fer from 32 Jazz reissues in full a pair of singer Morgana King's Muse albums from the early '90s. King's singing is definitely an acquired taste, for on some of the pop ballads she comes across as a frustrated opera singer. Her range is very impressive but not always too listenable. The first album reissued on this set is I Just Can't Stop Loving You, which features the singer (with a few exceptions) covering current pop tunes, including three by Michael Jackson. She is backed by an electronic rhythm section dominated by synthesizers and is heard throughout at her most excessive. The second date, This Is Always, is better since the tunes are jazz standards and her accompaniment is a quiet jazz rhythm section (with pianist Ben Aronov and guitarist Joe Puma) plus a couple keyboards that sometimes emulate a string section. Still, King's wide vibrato and overly expressive interpretations may rankle some listeners, though her fans will find the music on the second disc to be some of her best work. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide