Blank Canvas
Stretch, 2022
8/10
The esteemed vocalist Sarah Elizabeth Charles returns with her band, Jesser Elder, Jordan Peters, Burniss Earl Travis II and John Davis, plus some special guests, for these deeply personal and emotive 11 songs.
“Guest House Intro” opens the listen soft and soothing, with calming singing alongside a distinct dreaminess, and “Borders” follows with Elder’s atmospheric keys complementing the soulful singing from Charles that builds into a cathartic rocker.
In the middle, the sublime piano balladry of “Malba” showcases Charles’ impressive range, while “Brother”, which recruits Chief Xian aTunde Adjuah, is textured richly with harmonic vocals, precise guitar and a nearly spiritual quality to the stirring delivery.
Near to the end, the mesmerizing “Blind Emotions” benefits much from Davis’ acrobatic drumming amid the very powerful singing, and “The Message” exits the listen with much attention to mood and poeticism populating the flowing melodies and strong lyricism.
Charles has been very prolific these last few years, but she’s also dealt with a lot of turmoil, including a miscarriage and the loss of her brother. Now a mother and entering a new version of herself, these songs are full of forthrightness, self-examination and an ebullience that embraces jazz, soul, R&B and rock’n’roll in unpredictable and memorable ways.
Travels well with: Dred Scott- Rides Alone; Claudia Acuna- Duo