Record Reviews

CECILE MCLORIN SALVANT ~ DREAMS AND DAGGERS MACK AVENUE 1120 (Barcode: 673203112025) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 2016 Released: 2017 This is the 4th album by American Jazz vocalist Cecile McLorin SalvantFind albums by this artist. She is accompanied by pianist Aaron DiehlFind albums by this artist (and Sullivan FortnerFind albums by this artist on one track), bassist Paul SikivieFind albums by this artist, drummer Lawrence LeathersFind albums by this artist and the Catalyst String QuartetFind albums by this artist, which plays on six tracks. The 2CD album presents twenty-three tracks, six (with the string quartet) recorded in the studio and the rest recorded live at the Village Vanguard in NY. All the tracks are standards except four, which are originals by Salvant. The music is absolutely gorgeous, offering an interesting selection of less popular songs, brilliantly sung by Salvant, who is subtly and intelligently accompanied by the trio. The fact that most of the material was recorded live, which seems to be her forte, adds to the album’s attraction and allows the listener to enjoy the full range of Salvant’s sensibilities and highly aesthetic approach to Jazz vocals. Since her appearance on the scene in 2010, she managed to secure a position of one of the leading contemporary American Jazz vocalists. Her French upbringing and education adds the European Culture element, which sets her apart from most other American Jazz Artists. Overall, this is an excellent vocal Jazz album by one of its best representatives on the contemporary scene, which, like all of her albums, are a no brainer for every Jazz lover, especially those who enjoy female vocals recordings. Wholeheartedly recommended!

Updated: 22/01/2026Posted: 22/01/2026

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CECILE MCLORIN SALVANT ~ FOR ONE TO LOVE MACK AVENUE 1095 (Barcode: 673203109520) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 2015 Released: 2015 This is the 3rd 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 Paul SikivieFind albums by this artist and drummer Lawrence LeathersFind albums by this artist. On the album she sings twelve songs, five 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, 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 interpretation of the song by the great French chanteuse BarbaraFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. Monique Andree SerfFind albums by this artist), which she sings in perfect French, is one of the highlights of this album and another proof of her impeccable taste. She and the trio are at their absolute best with their interpretation of the "West Side Story" song "Something´s Coming" and personally I´d love to hear a whole album of similar explorations. 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. Listeners looking for originality and obvious talent, within the classic Jazz idiom, should find this album delightful. Highly recommended!

Updated: 09/01/2026Posted: 07/11/2016

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