Album Review: Dream from Nancy Newman

Album:  Dream
Artist:  Nancy Newman
Label:  Self-Released
Website:  https://nancynmusic.com/

Vancouver, British Columbia jazz vocalist and songwriter, Nancy Newman has the effect of a nightingale's call, enshrouding the listener in wispy plumes of tranquility.  Her 2025 release Dream is her third endeavor as a solo artist.  She describes it features “9 jazzy interpretations of classic pop and jazz standards.”  Her commanding vocalese as an intoxicating storyteller sweeps across the listener's ears like a gentle breeze, warm to the touch and tender on the soul.

Newman projects an intimacy with her audience in her rendering of "Moonraker," helmed by her fluid vocal sonorous and buttressed by the soft embers of Jennifer Scott's keys and Bill Buckingham's synth, supported by the steady beats of Rene Worst's bass and Buff Allen's percussion.  It is as though Newman knows instinctually how to reach into the depths of a dreamer's reflections.  

From the torchlight flickers of "Over the Rainbow" to the swinging stride of "Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams" and the bluesy, wistful mood of "Whistling Away the Dark," Nancy Newman is the embodiment of a soulful singer.  The serenity in her voicing levitates "You Only Live Twice" to a spiritual hymn, and her impromptu scatting along "Once in a Dream" radiates a nostalgic glint.

Her heartfelt renditions and clarion inflections leave the listener in a state of bliss.  The songs portray the various dreams audiences hold dear to their hearts, the aspirations that people work towards throughout their lifetime.  At the center of each track is the story that Newman gives life to, in an expressive and soothing tone.  Her succor-enriched vocals are a palliative balm on the soul.

Musicians:
Nancy Newman - vocals
Jennifer Scott - piano
Rene Worst - bass
Buff Allen - percussion
Bill Buckingham - synth