Title: The 'torch' fails to ignite
Product review: Nanci Grifftih's 'Ruby's Torch' seems a miconceived project. Nanci is not a natural torch singer, nor do most of these songs conform to conventional understandings of 'torch songs'. Her version of one of the outstanding songs of this genre, 'Wee Small Hours', is successful, but scarcely departs from the version recorded on 'Clock Without Hands'. Something similar could be said about 'Drops From the Faucet', and 'Brave Companion': indeed, the subdued and intimate version of the latter on 'Storms' is more compelling. The three Tom Waits songs are pleasant listening, but the originals convey much more authenticity of feeling.I have all Nanci's albums and, while conceding that some have flaws, feel that all represent considerable achievement. The new album, despite being blessed with Nanci's distinctive sweet, evocative voice, is a disappointment
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