Album Review: Sack Full of Dreams from Hazel Mitchell-Bell
Album: Sack Full of Dreams Artist: Hazel Mitchell-Bell Label: CD Baby Website: https://www.hazelmitchellbellmusic.com/music Vocalist Hazel Mitchell-Bell might be new to the jazz palette, releasing her debut recording Stronger Than Ever in 2018 and following up with her sophomore effort Sack Full of Dreams in May 2021, but the bluesy crooning in her phrasing, the supple texture of her register, and the caressing aesthetics of her timbres are all familiar to listeners. Her blend of jazz, soul, R&B, and bossa nova feel like home, surrounding the listener in comfort and bliss. Bell's memorable rendition of Woodrow Wilson and Buddy Johnson's gem "Save Your Love for Me" basks the listener in sheer bliss inlaid by embers of torch song-inspired soul. She switches to a Cajun blues swagger in "Do I Move You," penned by Nina Simone. Bell's command of Simone-imprinted blues demonstrates a dexterity that is laudable. Supported by a string qu...