Nedelle Torrisi - From the Lion's Mouth (2005)

From the Lion's Mouth continues on the same path that Nedelle forged on Republic of Two, but manages to take a couple of steps forward. Nedelle moves from indie pop to folk to light vocal jazz to soul throughout this Kill Rock Stars release, putting less emphasis on soul this time around. Her vocals are charming and sad, and seem to work best in the context of the full arrangements on tracks such as the lush "Tell Me a Story" and the interesting "Follow Me." The lullaby sensibility of Nedelle's vocal melodies brings comfort to the sadness. The straight acoustic guitar tracks can be a bit forgettable, but just when you think Nedelle might get a little samey and lose you, the arrangements and delivery on the next song win you right back. "Good Grief" highlights all of Nedelle's strengths -- a waltz that showcases her soulful edge with a chorus that hooks you in like Lois Maffeo. Nedelle's From the Lion's Mouth is a nice light breeze that blows by in half an hour, growing in strength with every listen.