The Mind of Love:
Jennifer Lauletta
sings the songs of
k.d. lang

“Love looks not with the eyes,
but with the mind…”
Helena in ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’

I suppose no one appreciates the vocal and compositional talents of k.d. lang any more than I do. The first time I heard Ingénue, I found I had to abandon my preconceptions of musical structure and popular appeal and begin to understand that the depths of this woman’s feelings could not be confined to the usual rules. Her choice of orchestration and vocal harmony surprised and delighted me. It gave me insights into her mood at the time of composition. I felt that she was freeing herself from professional and personal traditions. There were very few holds barred. As the sounds washed over me, I realized that I envied Ms. lang’s freedom.

When this project was first proposed to me, my enthusiasm was tempered by the fact that I felt unequal to the task. After so many years as a singer, I was confident of my own vocal talents, but I felt I had nothing new to offer to these compositions. They had already been perfected by k.d.

But I was thinking inside the box. To do these tunes justice, I would need to turn myself inside out, peel off the veneer and be unafraid to immerse myself in the lyrics, the melody and the composer’s intent. I would have to learn what she seemed to be trying to teach all who came in contact with her work: personal freedom, artistic freedom.

So we laid it back, minimized the orchestration, added a little jazz expression… and let the sensuality of the songs seep into our bones. Now, I want to pass on to you that same emotional freedom I experienced while recording these phenomenal songs. Just listen, and you’ll know.

Jennifer Lauletta