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  | CECILE MCLORIN SALVANT ~ WOMAN CHILD
MACK AVENUE 1072 (Barcode: 673203107229) ~ USA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2013 Released: 2013
This is the 2nd album by American Jazz vocalist / songwriter Cecile McLorin SalvantFind albums by this artist, on which she is accompanied by an excellent classic Jazz piano trio comprising of pianist Aaron DiehlFind albums by this artist, bassist Rodney WhitakerFind albums by this artist and drummer Herlin RileyFind albums by this artist. Guitarist James ChirilloFind albums by this artist guests on two tracks. The album presents twelve tracks, three of which are her original creations and seven are standards or songs written by others.
Considering the fact that American Jazz made no real contribution in the vocal department in the last fifty years or so, McLorin Salvant is definitely a breath of fresh air. Not that she offers anything that wasn´t heard before, but at least she does what she does with grace, elegance and mannerisms which can be considered fastidious enough to be interesting. She is obviously a very intelligent singer, who knows what she is singing about and her original songs are all at least as good as the standards she sings, which is a great achievement by itself. Her French upbringing and education adds the European Culture element, which sets her apart from most other American Jazz Artists.
Of course she is constantly "on the edge" between brilliant trickery and kitsch, somehow managing to land safely in the former rather than on the latter category. No doubt that listening to this album is like watching an ice-skater performing pirouettes and clutching hands nervously in fear he won´t be able to land safely.
All things considered, this is a charming album, which delivers a powerful and wonderfully aesthetic musical message, holds many twists and turns, unpredictable vocal vistas and above all is highly intelligent. Thank God this is not yet another straightforward mainstream Jazz vocal delivery, which honestly is no longer bearable.
Overall, listeners looking for originality and obvious talent, within the classic Jazz idiom, should find this album delightful. I love it to bits and it is highly recommended!
| | Updated: 10/07/2026Posted: 10/07/2026 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
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