In Your Own Sweet Way
Saphu, 2023
8/10
Listen to In Your Own Sweet Way
The multi-instrumentalist, composer, arranger and composer Gaea Schell brings us songs from the Great American Songbook plus several originals for this Latin tinted affair that takes help from Jordan Samuels, John Wiitala, Greg Wyser-Pratte, Carlos Caro and Marco Diaz.
“Cava dell’lsola” opens the listen with Schell’s dreamy flute alongside Caro’s warm percussion in the very cozy delivery, and “Sweet & Lovely” follows with Schell’s lively piano and Wyser-Pratte’s frisky drums for the melodic gestures.
Halfway through, “El Picacho” is an intimate moment of sublime keys from Diaz, pretty flute and cultured percussion, while “Summer Sea” benefits much from Samuels’ light guitar for the graceful album highlight.
Close to the end, “Danza Nocturna de Flores” is a piano focused track that carries an emotive spirit, and “Perplexity” exits the listen with a charming rhythm that’s an infectious as it is uplifting.
A comforting listen for the soul, body and mind, Schell and company blend Brazilian and classical ideas into a memorable experience.
Travel well with: Chloe Jean- Fairy Tale Fail; Ellie Martin- Verdant