Love is in full bloom on jazz vocalist Janelle Donovan's latest EP, Valentine Special. True to its title, the two tracks on this release celebrate romance in its purest form, reflecting the unrestrained, sweetly-scented confessions of affection that are associated with the 14th of February. But Donovan delivers more than just carve straight-shooting arrows for Cupid's bow; these are love songs that can be savored at any time of the year, with or without a bouquet of roses and a box of chocolates.
It helps that neither of the tracks sound like each other. On “I Love Your Face," Donovan's velvety croon caresses the heart with the warm touch of a whisper in the dark. Her voice seems to glide across the crystalline piano playing; they both sparkle like diamonds. The gorgeous melodies of “I Love Your Face" are intoxicating. It has a timeless yet classic appeal that people might mistake for a song of real vintage. However, according to Donovan, the track “evolved from a snippet of melody and lyrics that I rediscovered in my archives."
As a stylistic shift from the smooth vocal jazz of “I Love Your Face," the second cut “(Searching searching) Ev'ry Day" takes a slightly more aggressive approach. Here Donovan exerts power with her singing; it is rich and brimming with strength while conveying true longing. The tune rides on a funky rhythm as well, help fueled by fiery sax. There is substantial passion in these tracks, enough to light up the nights of lovers beyond Valentine's Day.
It helps that neither of the tracks sound like each other. On “I Love Your Face," Donovan's velvety croon caresses the heart with the warm touch of a whisper in the dark. Her voice seems to glide across the crystalline piano playing; they both sparkle like diamonds. The gorgeous melodies of “I Love Your Face" are intoxicating. It has a timeless yet classic appeal that people might mistake for a song of real vintage. However, according to Donovan, the track “evolved from a snippet of melody and lyrics that I rediscovered in my archives."
As a stylistic shift from the smooth vocal jazz of “I Love Your Face," the second cut “(Searching searching) Ev'ry Day" takes a slightly more aggressive approach. Here Donovan exerts power with her singing; it is rich and brimming with strength while conveying true longing. The tune rides on a funky rhythm as well, help fueled by fiery sax. There is substantial passion in these tracks, enough to light up the nights of lovers beyond Valentine's Day.
