NUMBERS, the second album by Dutch singer/songwriter Fay Lovsky and her fine four-piece acoustic band, is a pure delight. Lovsky has recorded numerous albums, her career dating back to the late '70s. She writes wonderful songs that draw from American blues, European cabaret, soundtrack music, and anything else that might have caught her fancy.
Lovsky's subject matter is, by turns, romantic, observational, and gorgeously poetic. The accompaniment--an assortment of string bass, drums, guitars, piano, violin, marimba, accordion, and other instruments--is supple, subtle, and beautifully executed. One of NUMBERS' great instrumentals features Lovsky's perfect playing on the theremin, an instrument that attracts many dabblers but produces few masters. NUMBERS is a rare gem, and every song has something to recommend it. If you're curious about Lovsky, start with this album or with her self-titled debut.