And She Spoke
Self-Released, 2021
8/10
A flutist, composer and singer, Alex Hamburger makes quite an impression with this debut, where Jose Luiz Martins brings his key prowess, Doug Weiss handles bass and Chase Kuesel sits behind the drum kit on 8 very imaginative interpretations from various female artists.
“Waking In The City” pairs Hamburgers music with Maya Angelou’s lyrics, where much atmosphere enters the calm flute, light bass and dreamy melodies, and “La Desesperacion Es La Pasion Verdaderamente Humana” follows with Hamburger’s expressive pipes alongside gentle drumming and strategic keys.
Halfway through, “It Comes Unadorned” presents spoken word into the frisky and playful climate, while “What’s Your Story Morning Glory” uses mood wisely with much focus, as plucked bass, soulful keys and airy flute make this the album’s best.
“Across The Universe” and “Burning The Letters” exit the listen, where the former showcases Hamburger’s pretty voice in a cautious landscape, and the latter exits upbeat and layered with strong attention to detail.
Hamburger credits Black women as being especially important agents of change in the area of women’s rights, and these figures have helped artists like Hamburger have a prominent voice that’s sophisticated, gritty and highly memorable on this fantastic first record.
Travels well with: Asaf Yuria- Exorcisms; Adam Glaser- Excursions