Dream Logic
Three Pines, 2021
9/10
The exceptional vocalist and pianist Sarah Jerrom might base her song craft in jazz, but she also flirts with folk, pop and chamber sounds as Harley Card, Rob McBride, Jeff Luciani, and Joe Lapinski accompany her on this eclectic journey.
“Snowblind” starts the listen on a very high note, as soothing, wordless vocals lead into dizzying percussion from Luciani as Jerrom’s expressive pipes are met with Card’s backing vocals in the dreamy jazz climate, and “Accolade Parade” follows with both busy and bare moments as Jerrom’s strong piano work is met with precise bass and guitar from Card and McBride.
There’s 13 tracks here, and not a dull moment to be found, including the soft and intimate “Things That Came Out Of The Sea”, while “Illusions” embraces folk ideas in its chamber filled climate. “Sleeping Buffalo Rises”, an especially glowing tune, then displays playful scatting as warm guitar lines and the dynamic rhythm section impress and inspire.
Deeper yet, “Wheel Remember” emits much beauty as absorbing, cautious songwriting unfolds in 5 minutes of frisky bass plucking and atmospheric drumming, and “Tiny Lights” exits the listen with Jerrom’s versatile pipes on display amid a moving and fascinating finish.
An album that was recorded across 2 sessions in 2018 and 2019, and that began with the vision of an EP, thankfully Jerrom and company decided to extend the effort, cause this just might be your favorite jazz rooted record of 2021.
Travels well with: Tunetown- Entering Utopia; Mike Freedman- Into The Daybreak