Wintersongs
Self Released, 2024
9/10
The vocalist and pianist Laila Biali is joined by some excellent help for these 9 seasonal songs that serve as a love letter to winter.
“Drifting Down Ice” opens with Biali’s mesmerizing keys and gorgeous pipes amid the Venuti String Quartet’s elegant strings for much intimacy, and “Rocky Mountain Lullaby” follows with Jane Bunnett’s dreamy flute and the Chamber Orchestra adding much beauty.
Landing in the middle, “Outside” welcomes Sam Yahel’s meticulous keys and Wade O. Brown’s well timed vocals for the powerful delivery of elegance, while “Keep On Moving” picks up the pace thanks to Jackson Welchner’s backing vocals and Ben Wittman’s quick drumming.
Closer to the end, the intimate “Dance Of The Pines” makes great use of Bunnett’s rich soprano sax amid a poetic landscape that builds into a rich album highlight, and “Jesus, He Is Born (Iesous Ahatonnia’ Instrumental)” exits with Kevin Turcotte’s soaring trumpet that aligns with Lori Gemmell’s strategic harp.
A really colorful affair, this is Biali’s 10th album as leader, and it’s packed with melodies, romantic imagery and musicianship that will always be relevant and creative.
Travels well with: Hannah Gill- Spooky Jazz Vol. 2; Cathy Segal-Garcia- Social Anthems Volume 2