DARA STARR TUCKER

TIME WOULDN’T WANT

Green Hill Records

Dara Starr Tucker, vocals/composer/lyricist; Gary Versace, piano/organ; Larry Goldings, piano; Simon Moullier, vibraphone; Vicente Archer & Greg Bryant, bass; Marcus Finnie & Christian Euman, drums; Rod McGaha, trumpet.

The vocalist, Dara Starr Tucker is also a songwriter and cultural commentator.  She offers the listener a stirring collection of original songs that explore time, impermanence and the power of being present.  She also reimagines classic songs we know and love, some plucked from contemporary films.  Put all that together and you get a compelling, introspective examination of Tucker’s view on the fragility of life.

She opens with her own positive affirmation that simply says, “Shining (It’s my Time).” This is one of seven original compositions Ms. Tucker has written for this project.  Gary Versace provides a memorable and explosive solo on piano.  He is also an attentive and sensitive accompanist.

Tucker follows this with “Pure Imagination” from the Willy Wonka film.  It’s a great, positive, encouraging lyric that she sings with a slight swing.  This is followed by her bluesy original called “Tall Georgia Pines.”  It’s a jazz waltz wrapped in blues changes.  The arrangement is refreshing, and this well-written song could easily rise up the country/western charts.  I would shop this song in that market.

Dara Starr Tucker is a storyteller.  She emotionally covers the Billie Eilish & Finneas O’Connell tune that became a big hit taken from the Barbie Movie, “What Was I Made For.”  Simon Moullier adds beauty to the arrangement on his vibraphone.

Her song “The Space” has a thick, juicy groove provided by the drums of Christian Euman and the bass of Greg Bryant, with Larry Goldings on piano.  This trio of musicians brings a new flavor to the project.  Her ballad, “Waiting for the Night” is a lovely sentiment.  Tucker’s voice is warm as an evening fireplace, with lovers enjoying Hot Toddies.  Rod McGaha’s trumpet sings a sexy song solo that enhances the mood Tucker builds with her sensuous lyrics. This is a crossover tune that leans heavily towards Pop music, as does her original “Happy to be Loving You.”

Dara Starr Tucker weaves jazz, funk, country/western, soul and pop music into this album of mostly original songs.  Her voice is warm, convincing and pure.  Her messages are honest and from the heart, with melodies meant to be sung.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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