Karen Washington & the New Singing Stars – Talk to Jesus

Karen Washington & the New Singing Stars

While some of the album’s eleven selections are new compositions by Washington in association with Sharper and others, several are rearranged traditional pieces. Examples of the latter include “Come and Go,” an arrangement of “Come and Go to that Land;” and “Halleluia,” which is really “The Storm is Passing Over.” Meanwhile, “It’s Alright to Have a Good Time” is a remake of the Impressions’ 1963 hit, “It’s All Right.”

Washington’s singing is stronger on this album and the New Singing Stars blend well together. They even sound a bit like a ‘60s girl group on the title track, complete with a swaggering New Orleans-style beat and old-school vamp at the end. A bluesy duet between Washington and Paulette Thornton highlights “I’ve Been Changed,” one of several instances when members of the New Singing Stars step forward to sing a solo.

Some touches of brass to replace the heavy reliance on synthesized keyboard would have made the album even stronger, but kudos to Karen Washington for a pleasantly performed work.

Three of Five Stars

Picks: “Talk to Jesus,” “I’ve Been Changed.”