White Sails Blue Skies
PaLoma, 2021
8/10
Listen to White Sails Blue Skies
A vocalist, violinist, guitarist and composer, Tanya Dennis mixes samba, jazz, tango, gypsy and many other ideas into an unpredictable and exciting listen here, where the finest musicians from Nashville, her current home, are in attendance.
“Chiaroscura” starts the album with Dennis’ expressive, lush vocals guiding the twinkling keys, soft guitars and cultured percussion, and “Till You” follows with subtle harmonica from Hendrik Meurkens as plenty of calm melodies unfold with precision.
Halfway through, “White Sails” enter breezy territory, where Scott Halgen’s pretty key work complements Dennis’ poetic singing, while “The World Can Do Without Us” welcomes soothing scatting alongside a romantic spirit in a timeless jazz setting that’s firmly in balladry.
Landing near the end, “Desolation Sound” displays sublime violin work from Dennis that adds much to the cautious landscape, and “All To Myself” finishes the listen with eloquent intimacy that pairs well with the meticulous key work and soulful harmonica, that, later on, exits with playful scatting and samba fun.
Dennis has an impressive resume that includes touring with Faith Hill and Janie Fricke, and her fusion capabilities make this sophomore album a diverse and charming venture that documents the highs and lows of her colorful life.
Travels well with: Jacqui Naylor- The Long Game; The Rebecca Kilgore Trio- Vol. 1