Encounters & Collisions
Biophilia, 2024
8/10
Listen to Encounters & Collisions
The esteemed vocalist Sara Serpa is joined by Ingrid Laubrock, Erik Friedlander and Angelica Sanchez for these 18 autobiographical and jazz flavored tracks.
“Story 1” opens the listen with Serpa talking about her journey to the US, and “Language” recruits Laubrock’s gorgeous keys that align with Serpa’s expressive and heartfelt singing.
The next song, the aptly titled “Visa”, makes great use of Friedlander’s skilled cello, as both speaking and singing blend with a busy, often dizzying landscape, while “Between Worlds” pairs the elegant keys with touching strings, where Serpa’s flawless singing relates many observations.
Deeper still, the vocal acrobatics of “Labor” makes for a rich album highlight, and “Music Makes Me Who I Am” offers a cozy climate of intimacy via the use of Laubrock’s meticulous sax. “Two Cities, Many Homes” then exits with adventurous keys, firm strings and animated sax that complements Serpa’s impressive range.
A record of much sophistication but also friskiness, Serpa relays her Portugal to the US transition, and it’s an enlightening jazz outing that uses narration superbly.
Travels well with: Brandon Seabrook- Object Of Unknown Function; Patricia Brennan Septet- Breaking Stretch