Linda Eder is a phenomenally talented American singer! A rarity, her primal voice comfortably spans the range of standards, pop, showtunes, jazz, country, and opera. She’s reminiscent of a fine wine, whose quality gets better with time. Defining exactly why Linda’s so great is tough. I’d say it’s the depth of feeling flowing through her voice, touching my emotions. There’s an immediate connection, with no barriers or artifice. Linda’s phrasing and the seamless way she glides from note to note is practically heart stopping. Leaving me thinking “wow, you’re fu*king extraordinary!”
I first became aware of her when I attended theatre school. We learnt several songs from The Scarlet Pimpernel which prompted me to buy the soundtrack. Stunningly beautiful statuesque Linda sang the role of Marguerite. Instantly I fell in love with her captivating angelic voice so bought more of her music. She manages to sound incredibly tender yet omnipotent. I’ve yet to see her perform live (it’s on my bucket list), I know it will be exhilarating.
Linda won Star Search early in her career, her winning streak went uninterrupted for months. This TV show was a great platform for getting noticed by industry insiders. A sensational Broadway debut followed, starring as Lucy in Frank Wildhorn and Leslie Bricusse’s Jekyll and Hyde. Recently I rediscovered her mesmerising performance on the soundtrack. Sympathy Tenderness is sung so beautifully it’s almost too much to bear. Subsequently she recorded copious material written especially for her by Wildhorn and Jack Murphy. As befits a vocalist of this stature, Eder’s also sang at Carnegie Hall. These days you’ll find her touring the States as a successful cabaret artist. Or giving masterclasses and private lessons.
My favourite albums are 1999’s It’s No Secret Anymore, 2002’s Gold, 2003’s Storybook and 2011’s Now. It’s No Secret Anymore is a great listen when you want to chill. It’s full of big band style tracks, all sultry jazz and blues. Romancin’ The Blues is perfect, so intimate and inviting. This Time Around soars to seemingly impossible heights. Little Things is an understated gem of a love song. During Even Now and Vienna Eder’s velvet vocals sound crystal clear, confirming she’s in a league of her own.
Gold contains a wider range of tracks stylistically. Gently Break My Heart stands out, its anguished message delivered with such sensitivity. Everything That’s Wrong is a catchy song about the search for love. The title track’s a showstopper performed with gusto. The key changes in One Bad Habit from Storybook are literally breathtaking proving how accomplished Eder is. This album’s title track and When I Look At You give Linda an opportunity to exercise her belting musical theatre chops. When I Look In Your Eyes can only be described as flawless.
Now is a CD which personifies perfection. Life experience is noticeable in her voice. No Finer Man is unbelievably earnest, with an anthem like quality. The Heat Of The Night sizzles delightfully. Linda adopts a fragile tone to mirror the title song’s haunting otherworldly melody. Goodbye swings with confident big band style extravagance. The honesty of Living In The Shadows means it stays with you long afterwards. After I first heard it, I couldn’t get it out of my mind.
Linda cites Barbra Streisand and Judy Garland as two of her early musical inspirations. In 2005 she released a sublime album called By Myself The Songs Of Judy Garland. Eder’s version of Do It Again is the sexiest I’ve heard. It’s like being caressed by melted chocolate. The nuances of her voice during Rainbow’s End sum up her artistry and storytelling ability. Eder teases the listener but with such control. Rather than bombard us with sheer power, her tones are characterised by subtle light and shade throughout. I always get caught up in the moment.
Listening to Linda Eder sing blows my mind, her vocal range is astounding! It’s beyond me how such a luxurious voice is humanly possible. Check out this gift to the world, see if you feel the same.