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

CD 2 Digisleeve Recommend To A Friend

CECILE MCLORIN SALVANT ~ THE WINDOW MACK AVENUE 1132 (Barcode: 673203113220) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 2018 Released: 2018 This is the 5th album by American Jazz vocalist Cecile McLorin SalvantFind albums by this artist. She is accompanied by pianist Sullivan FortnerFind albums by this artist, who also plays organ on a couple of tracks, and saxophonist Melissa AldanaFind albums by this artist, who plays on one track. The album presents seventeen tracks, some recorded in the studio and some recorded live at the Village Vanguard in NY. All the tracks are standards except one, which is an original 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 Fortner. The intimate duo setting, which is also very rarely heard these days, 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 and intimate “Art of the Duo” recordings. Wholeheartedly recommended!

Updated: 09/01/2026Posted: 09/01/2026

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend