Dreamer In Concert cover

Dreamer In Concert

Stacey Kent · 2012

70 min · 14 tracks · jazz

A captivating live album that intertwines classic jazz standards with Stacey Kent's warm, intimate vocals and seamless storytelling.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    If I Were a Bell — This track showcases Kent's playful vocal phrasing and ability to convey lightheartedness, making it a standout moment on the album.
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    Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars (Corcovado) — Kent's interpretation of this bossa nova classic offers a serene atmosphere, illustrating her smooth delivery and connection to Brazilian music influences.
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    They Can't Take That Away From Me — This rendition highlights Kent's emotional depth and subtle nuances, capturing the essence of longing inherent in the song's themes.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album effectively blends standards with personal touches but lacks a strong narrative arc.

What we noticed

  • The live setting captures audience interactions, adding a layer of spontaneity to the performances.
  • Several tracks incorporate extended instrumental sections, allowing the accompanying musicians to showcase their improvisational skills.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady, consistent energy levels
  • intimate storytelling moments
  • gradual builds and payoffs
  • long, immersive listening sessions

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2012, Dreamer In Concert is Stacey Kent's first live album, showcasing her established presence in the jazz scene following her acclaimed studio albums. By this point in her career, she had already gained recognition for her unique vocal style and ability to reinterpret jazz classics, making this album a significant testament to her artistry.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Postcard Lovers

    The narration shifts from nostalgic reflection to a vivid depiction of shared experiences.

    This transition enhances the song’s emotional weight by creating a tangible contrast between memory and present intimacy.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 It Might as Well Be Spring 7:29
  • 2 Ces Petits Riens 4:01
  • 3 Postcard Lovers 6:19
  • 4 If I Were a Bell 4:07
  • 5 Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars (Corcovado) 5:33
  • 6 Waters of March 3:59
  • 7 The Best Is Yet to Come 3:36
  • 8 O Comboio 4:27
  • 9 Dreamer 5:16
  • 10 Breakfast on the Morning Tram 5:28
  • 11 They Can't Take That Away From Me 5:19
  • 12 Samba Saravah 4:55
  • 13 Jardin D'hiver 4:31
  • 14 They Say It's Wonderful 5:47

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata