The Bird and the Bee, “Interpreting the Masters Volume 1: A
Tribute to Daryl Hall and John Oates” (Blue Note)

As the duo the Bird and the Bee, Inara George and Greg Kurstin
have made heavenly, trippy music that blends psychedelic jazz
sounds with George’s angelic but emotionally detached voice.

But if you’re going to take on the blue-eyed soul of Hall &
Oates, it helps to have some, well, soul. That’s what’s sorely
missing as the Bird and the Bee take on that duo’s classic songs on
“Interpreting the Masters Volume 1: A Tribute to Daryl Hall and
John Oates.”

George still sounds as sweet as ever, but her almost monotone
delivery makes songs like “Private Eyes” and “Maneater” come off as
middling karaoke. On other projects, George’s vocals are eerily
serene, but here, they fall flat. Kurstin’s instrumentation doesn’t
add anything to the originals either.

This is not a bad CD; it’s easy listening that is often times
pleasing. But it doesn’t make you feel anything, which is what soul
music is supposed to do. After it’s over, you’ll find yourself
reaching for Hall & Oates “Greatest Hits” to hear the real
deal, which is probably the best tribute of all.