Rev-Ola Rec. 
Susan Carter : Wonderful Deeds and Adventures (US,1970,re.2008)****
Duglas T Stewart wrote interesting introduction notes in the booklet, describing also the whole musical Laurel Canyon scene, and its tendencies, in the time in which this album was made. The original liner notes describe also how the album was prepared, with a recording time, in New York, of a whole year which includes a period of two years of preparations. Susan met arranger Dick Halligan who took care of the orchestrations which would show the range of possibilities with Susan’s voice. The album starts with very ambitious classical orchestrations with orchestra and horns, bringing in the hippie naivety of the Canyon, quickly changes perspectives to a poppier entertainment song driven approach, while bringing to focus something of Billie Holliday’s character –she was able to, -even when this was a general quality of the early 40s-, transform sadness to such a completely balanced form as no other, according to Susan, seeing the choice of songs, with two Laura Nyro songs, because she was a woman, and therefore was able to do so. This entertainment factor also quickly moves to popjazz and then real jazz, and a jamsession to end the album with. In this way we get a very complete picture of visions which made an unfold story of backgrounds and experiences that is well prepared, arranged and sung to make this into a convincing document that reads like a book and reveals itself further and deeper with each listen.
I almost didn't notice but there were also songs interpreted from Donovan, James Taylor, Steven Stills (from the time of Buffalo Springfield), as well as The Beatles. The more jazz flavoured band had members of Blood, Sweat & Tears members participating.
