Cannon & Sparrow
Self-Released, 2023
8/10
A Boise native who cut her teeth in the Harlem scene, the jazz and soul vocalist Emily Braden returns with a sophomore album, where originals and standards are fleshed out with both calm and powerful moments.
“Beautiful Friendship” starts the listen with Rudy Royston’s playful drumming and Braden’s lively and soaring voice that uses some subtle scatting, too, and “Swell” follows with pretty vocal harmonizing that benefits much from Misha Piatigorsky’s frisky keys and Tatum Greenblatt’s animated trumpet amid many grooves.
“On A Clear Day” arrives at the midpoint, and showcases Danton Boller’s glowing bass, while “How Will I Know” puts a very soulful spin on the classic with a glowing atmosphere of intimacy and adventurousness.
“Strength Of Love” and “Aphelion” exit the listen, where the former uses Freddie Bryant’s guitar strategically alongside the expressive singing, and the latter blends the mature piano and elegant singing with a stirring presence.
An active and esteemed playing in the New York City vibrant music scene, Braden began laying the groundwork for this album after her father passed, and completed it during the first part of the pandemic. It’s filled with themes of love during the hardest times, and her adaptive voice and strong attention to detail is much appreciated.
Travels well with: Tina Hartt- Absence Of You; Heather Ferguson- Lush Life