Ulita Knaus goes Soul ...!

If it creates a musician as Ulita Knaus to publish four excellent albums in a row, one must almost inevitably ask the question why they up to now been relatively unknown compared to many "Scandinavian Import" (This is not to be derogatory) is.

Even more than the very good, but almost a bit smooth previous album "Sea Journey" connects "It's the City" claim with accessibility, but is overall a bit "edgy" and sometimes seasoned with a large dose of Soul (for example, on the groovy opener " Too Hot to Ignore "). Not one has fortunately the impression that Ulita Knaus ingratiate the commercialism; quite the contrary: Some pieces will be apparent only after repeated listening, but then remain more durable hanging in the ear. Basically you can (including this one) to compare a Knaus album with a beverage: Who wants to enjoy the music completely, it may not fly "wegkonsumieren", but must be consciously acted upon.

Cover versions, which made for example "Sea Journey" interesting for jazz novices, remain on the sidelines this time, instead, relies completely on Knaus own compositions; a bit of a shame it's been since I found her previous interpretations of well known pieces always very appealing, but the quality of their own songs makes this more than compensates.
Emphasized here is the way not only Knaus' as always beguiling, bell-clear voice, but also the excellent band musician.

"It's the City" is a very good album, which is perfect for warm summer nights (or long winter evenings) bottom line.