Jazzmeia Horn’s strong 2017 debut A Social Call had the soulful vocalist interpret a wide variety of pieces ranging from Betty Carter to Gigi Gryce. This time around she adds another dimension, filling most of her sophomore album with thoughtful originals.
She brings in a strong team of pianists Victor Gould or Sullivan Fortner (best known for his work with Cecile McLorin Salvant), Stacey Dillard/ts, Josh Evans/tp, Ben Williams/b and Snarky Puppy drummer/vocalist Jamison Ross. The combo works amazingly well, with upbeat horns and grooves setting the stage for Horn’s sweet tone on the encouraging “Free Your Mind,”bopping with authority on the clearly enunciated “Out The Window” and swinging with alacrity to Ross’ crisp sticks on “When I Say.” She sounds like she and the gang is having FUN on the rapid fire “Searchin’” while she’s defiant and earthy to the plunky blues of “No More” and slinking to “Time.” She has a winsome approach to lyrics, stretching out “Insecuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuure” on “Green Eyes” and getting sly and cozy with Williams on a duet of “I Thought About You.”
A couple of duets with Ross are onto winning ways, with an intimate chate during “Reflections of My Heart” and a clever conversation of the poetic “Only You.” This lady has a lot of great ideas, and each one works like a prayer candle. Gotta see her next time in town-hopefully with Ross-she’s coming to LA in September at the Blue Whale. Don’t miss out!