Without You
Normandy Lane, 2023
8/10
The singer and vocalist Sarah McKenzie brings us both originals and covers- mostly from Jobim- for these these Brazilian jazz pieces that put her in the company of Jaques Morelenbaum, Romero Lubambo, Peter Erskine, Geoff Gascoyne, Rogerio Boccato, and Bob Sheppard.
The soft and warm “The Gentle Rain” begins the listen with McKenzie’s stirring voice alongside Morelenbaum’s elegant cello and Lubambo’s cozy guitar, and “Corcovado (Quiet Nights)” follows with the poetic keys matching Erskine’s calm drums and Gascoyne’s mesmerizing bass.
Further into the listen, “Fotografia”, a Jobim tune, comes with plenty of breezy culture amid Boccato’s frisky percussion and McKenzie’s absorbing pipes, while the intimate “Without You” places Sheppard on flute to benefit the dreamy climate.
“Bonita” and “Modinha” exit the listen, where the former radiates much beauty thanks to the graceful keys, eloquent singing and heartfelt instrumentation, and the latter takes that lead into very soothing and rich gestures.
A highly cautious body of work that also embraces Oscar Peterson and Michel Legrand’s vision, there’s an adventurous spirit that’s greatly admirable, as McKenzie’s artistry possesses a global appeal.
Travels well with: Yuka Mito- Love In The City; Laila Faerman- Awake! Arise!