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LISA EKDAHL When Did You Leave Heaven? (BMG) Lisa is a multi-platinum, award winning pop star from Sweden who has now branched out into jazz, and When Did You Leave Heaven marks her US debut with the support of her Peter Nordahl Trio. Lisa opens with the title track, that gives me flashbacks of a young Blossom Dearie. Like Diana Krall, Lisa is able to take a jazz standard and style it into her own. We have all heard countless versions of 'Cry Me A River', whereas Lisa teases us with this one. Lisa's approach to 'Love For Sale' is reminiscent of the late Betty Carter. 'My Heart Belongs To Daddy' is rather girlish in a Marilyn Monroe sort of way, yet suits its fresh Latin rhythm. 'It's Oh So Quiet' delightfully finishes off this very special album. 'It's Oh So Quiet' is currently being used for the Anais Anais commercial in the U.S.A and Europe. Gazz Back To Earth (BMG) Those who have been lucky enough to have heard Swedish pop singer Lisa Ekdahl's jazz debut 'When Did You Leave Heaven?' will appreciate this new album that is a subtle blend of popular songs tinged with blues & jazz. Again this fine effort features the brilliant Peter Nordahl Trio. To date I haven't found any other albums by the Peter Nordahl Trio on the Internet. Most of us will remember Nat King Cole singing 'Nature Boy'; Lisa's rendition in contrast is lazy & sensuous. Lisa is hugely influenced by Blossom Dearie; 'Tea For Two', 'Down With Love' & 'I Get A Kick Out Of You' is further proof of this. Lisa brings up the tempo during 'Now Or Never' that was a slower classic for Billie Holiday. 'Plaintive Rumba' is a Nordahl composition and an instrumental that fittingly rounds off this superb album. Gazz Click on album image to see larger album cover 
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