jazz2love

Album:  Blue Journal Artist:  Ester Wiesnerová Website:  www.esterwiesnerova.com Slovakia-born vocalist Ester Wiesnerová fuses multiple elements in her music, coalescing the flamenco rhythm of the Mediterranean's Andalusia region with the intimacy of American blues and the contemplative mood of coffeehouse folk.  Her debut CD, Blue Journal , contains thought-provoking lyrics shrouded in silky instrumentation, linking a flowing stream of wispy silhouettes and scintillating chimes.  Supported by a band of international musicians from the East and the West, the recording is comprised of 11 introspective tunes, composed, sung and produced by Wiesnerová. She shows a sensitivity of the human heart that audiences can relate to, creating an intimacy that personalizes the listening experience.  Sam Knight's swirling saxophone toots elevate the melodic progressions along "Who Are You Now," as the twinkling chords of Charles Overton's harp produce waves of sparkling s...

Album:  Will I Fly Artist:  Miwa Gemini Label:  Self-Release Website:  http://www.miwagemini.com Singer, songwriter, guitarist, and banjo player Miwa Gemini demonstrates her versatile and creative imagination on her latest release Will I Fly . Her recordings of acoustic pop mingled with roots rock and porch folk splendor are always a pleasurable experience, and Will I Fly does nothing less than make listening to her music a delightful experience. The bouncy polka style rhythm of the title track launches the recording into a sprightly mood that triggers an infectious Eastern European swing energy. Diversifying her repertoire, the thumbing beats of "Hattie's Love Song" produce a seesaw sway as Miwa's shimmering vocals move sensually across the silhouettes of vibraphone chimes. A country twange accents the melody as the porch folk treads of the guitar hook effectively stick in the listener's mind. The enchanting lullaby of "Japanese Song" is set to a c...

Album:  Americana Artists:  Grégoire Maret, Romain Collin, and Bill Frisell Label:  ACT Music Websites: https://www.billfrisell.com https://www.romaincollin.com https://www.gregoiremaret.com A blend of country folk, ambient jazz, indie rock, and acoustic pop, the trio of Grégoire Maret on harmonica, Romain Collin on piano, and Bill Frisell on guitar and banjo come together on Americana from ACT Music label.  The trio's collection of cover tunes permeates healing attributes as the music feels like a soothing balm on the listener's senses.  Track after track shepherds soulful passages from the trio, arranging them into a cavalcade of blissful soundscapes.  The natural flow of the music keeps the chord progressions advancing, producing fluxing movements that harvest elegant sprigs along the coasting swells. The trio's rendition of Bon Iver's serenely lilting "Stacks" features the soothing verses of Maret's harmonica trussed in Frisell's comfy guitar ...

Album Review:  The Heart Already Knows from Kate Reid Label:  Self-Released Website:  www.katereidmusic.com/ The Heart Already Knows , the third solo CD from torchlight vocalist Kate Reid is melodically groomed in hues of acoustic pop, bluesy jazz, and rhapsodic soul.   Her alto register rises above the delicately strewn keys of her pianists Fred Hersch and Taylor Eigsti.  The tender wisps strummed by guitarists Paul Meyers, Larry Koonse, and Romero Lubambo accentuate the supple texture of her voice.   Her music leaves listeners feeling like they are floating on air. The emotive inflections in her vocals made along "I'm Just A Lucky So and So" give the song a human quality like the lyrics reflect a real life persona.   Her instinct for improvising the nuances in her voice is admirable.  Her gift manages to grab the listener's attention while set to a sedate tempo.   Each track is slow and mellow comprised of a duo with...