I’m in fanboy heaven today as I’ve been given the chance to review The Art of Elegance the new album from Kristin Chenoweth. If anyone reading this is now asking ‘who?’ then hang your heads in shame. Kristin is one of the legends of musical theatre with a string of awards from her theatre and television performances. She is probably best known in the UK for originating the role of Glinda in ‘Wicked’ and her recurring appearances as April Rhodes in ‘Glee’. She is beautiful and has a very unique voice that suits a wide range of musical styles and is instantly recognisable.

The Art of Elegance is Kristin’s latest album and consists of 13 superbly arranged tracks that really make the most of her talent as a songstress. There is a nice mixture of tunes from the proverbial Great American Songbook, with hits by Gershwin, Sinatra and even Charlie Chaplin. Each is given its own distinct feel by Kristin so, for example, ‘They Can’t Take That Away From Me’ feels really flirty whilst the amazing ‘Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered’ creates an atmosphere of a crowded and smoky jazz club with a lonely woman sitting under a single spotlight pouring out her life to the audience. ‘My particular favourite was ‘A House is Not A Home’ which really plays with the emotions, starting gently and moving onwards to a soaring crescendo before gently finishing with sad strings. A lovely song that really tells a story, especially in Kristin’s talented hands and voice. Another favourite, was ‘Smile’ which I listened to a couple of times before moving on to the next track. Kristin, a grand piano and a wonderful lyric. Seriously, life doesn’t get much better than this.

Kristin and the production team have pulled together a truly wonderful album with The Art of Elegance. There are songs you will know and others that you have never heard of but which become firm friends as the album gets played. This is the sort of collection I would listen to on my journey home after a particularly trying day at work. No matter what the travails of the day had brought, a quick session with The Art of Elegance and I would defy anyone not to be thoroughly relaxed and reminded that there really is still beauty in the world.

I think it’s fairly safe to say that I enjoyed The Age of Elegance all the way through. Every song is superb. Kristin Chenoweth has a wonderful voice and personality that comes across so well on every track.

Review by Terry Eastham

TRACK LISTING:
1. Someone to Watch Over Me (3:04)
2. I’ve Got a Crush on You featuring Dave Koz (2:54)
3. Let’s Fall In Love (3:12)
4. Bewitched Bothered and Bewildered (5:00)
5. Zing Went the Strings of My Heart (3:21)
6. The Very Thought of You featuring Dave Koz (4:24)
7. They Can’t Take That Away From Me (3:20)
8. A House Is Not a Home (4:08)
9. I Get Along Without You Very Well (4:27)
10. Skylark (4:41)
11. I’m a Fool to Want You (5:38)
12. Smile (3:11)
13. You’re My Saving Grace… (2:51)