Here For You
Marsch, 2024
8/10
The Canadian jazz vocalist Maria Schafer guides her Los Angeles quintet through 8 tracks of well thought out phrasing and hard swinging ideas for this 3rd studio album.
“You Said It” opens with much grace and playfulness, as Schafer’s distinct singing is met with Jeremy Siskind’s upbeat piano, and “A Chance To Make You Mine” follows with Zack Caplinger’s warm guitar lines that suit the romantic wordplay from Schafer.
“Release Me” and “More Than You Know” land in the middle. The former is intimate, melodic and benefits from Karo Galadjian’s elegant drumming, while the latter showcases Schafer’s impressive range amid David Reynoso’s soft bass.
The title track resides near the end and is a powerful, emotive album highlight, and “Get Up And Go” exits with a frisky and memorable jazz moment that tips it hat to the Great American Songbook.
Schafer possesses a voice you won’t soon forget and these charming tunes aren’t lacking any grooves, rhythm or timelessness.
Travels well with: Libby York- Dreamland; Melissa Stylianou- Dream Dancing