Sharon Little
(CBS)
It's hard to avoid lapsing into the sort of jargon that gets routinely applied to racehorses or running backs when contemplating Sharon Little's big-league debut. No doubt about it, she's the entire package - a looker, and a singer who seems capable of pulling off just about any style there is. And her timing is perfect, since Amy Winehouse's breakthrough and subsequent flameout has created a niche for big-voiced female singers whose style refers back to old soul and blues.
Yet "Perfect Time for a Breakdown" never quite gets off the launchpad. Despite her obvious and abundant raw talent, Little still seems unformed as a singer and writer. While all 11 songs here are well-crafted, they just don't make much of an impact. Track number one is "Follow That Sound," and she can clearly do that. But it might be a while before she's up to leading.
To date, Little's biggest exposure has been an opening-act slot on the Robert Plant/Alison Krauss tour. Hooking up with Plant/Krauss producer/band-leader T-Bone to whip her mojo into shape could do Little a world of good.
Standout Tracks: "Ooh Wee," "Space Ship" DAVID MENCONI
