Vocalist Nnenna Freelon has had a career that could easily be divided into two eras. Her early career had her create albums that mixed soul, R&B and smooth jazz in an irresistible fashion. Around 2012, she seemed to have taken a break from recording and touring, and has since returned to the scene with a more reflective, thoughtful and world-wise fragrance to her sound. This recent release with Alan Pasqua/p-key, Keith Ganz/g, Jonathan Richards/b, Steve Hass/dr, Evan Roberson/tb and Shana Tucker/cel continue this rich and textured direction, with Ms Freelon more intimate and personal than ever.
She’s mellow and romantic as she breathes out “Journey Of The Heart” and patiently expressive n the Skin” and graceful with Pasqua for a clever read of the traditional piece “ Oh! Suzanna”. Roberson’s trombone adds atmosphere to the cozy “Dark and Lovely” and the languid “Black Iris” while Tucker’s cello joins with Ganz for a Nashville skyline of a folksy “Widow Song”. Rich and personal portraits. When’s she coming back on the road?