Deanna Storey
Sometimes I'm Happy

I listened to Sometimes I'm Happy (I'm So Pretty Records) a few times before I figured out what I really liked about the album. That's not to say it's not likeable—it's actually quite refreshing to hear music that might be played in a dimly-lit restaurant bar that isn't packed so full of schmaltz you find yourself looking around the room for Jessica Rabbit. Instead, Storey has surrounded herself with talented, clever musicians, who perfectly complement her crooning of classic tunes, like "I Thought About You" and "Too Close for Comfort."

When the soulful swinging of the title track started off the disc, my feet were the first to react. But, this is one of the few danceable ditties. The remainder of the album is better suited to activities like preparing a romantic dinner, or relaxing on a cool fall evening. That said, it's also evident that Storey would be more enjoyable live than recorded. Her former co-worker who penned the liner notes comments that she exudes "class and poise and sex [on stage]. She was brassy and confident and funny..." While some of those characteristics come through clearly on this recording, I get the feeling we're missing out something even better in being limited to the aural experience alone.

—Gary A. Miller

Visit Deanna online at http://deannastorey.com

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