A few years ago, vocalist Lauren Henderson released a sizzling A La Madrugada that caught my attention with it’s vibrant pulses. This time around, she draws attention by kicking down the butanes to lower and more sultry embers, delivering Latin and jazz moods in a more sultry collection of torch songs.
The backing team of Joe Saylor/dr, Nanny Assis/perc, Eric Wheeler/b, Sullivan Fortner/p-key, Nick Tannura/g, Josh Evans/tp and Godwin Louis/as create late night moods as Henderson’s soft and seductive voice coos like a Latin Julie London on “The Great City” “El Ritmo” and “Todo Tiene Su Final.” Terri Lyne Carrington adds voice to the floating “To Wisdom the Prize” and “Better Days” while Henderson shows her skills at the pen as she glides to Wheeler’s bass on the elegant and glistening “Tanto Amor.” Tannura’s delicate and spacious guitar work serves as flowing drapery for Henderson to wrap herself around in during the contemplative “Inside a Silent Tear” while the team delivers a seductive reggae lilt for Henderson to body surf on during “The Old Country.” She keeps the candle burning low the entire album, but it definitely burns! Any trips coming down to So Cal?