The Sorceress
Chonograph, 2026
9/10
The trombonist, vocalist and composer Audrey Ochoa treats us to 14 songs of fusion ideas, where some excellent players join her for the improvised setting.
The lively spirit of “Maintenance Phase” starts with Jon May’s animated drums that suit Ochoa’s playful trombone, and “Lamplight” follows with Mike Lent’s frisky bass lines amid the rhythmic climate.
Moving along, “My Reward” showcases Ochoa’s expressive and rich pipes alongside the soft versus loud dynamics, while “Let’s Give Up” makes great use of Mo Lefever’s warm guitar playing that complements the flowing vocals.
Arriving late, the intimate “Grateful Woman” allows for the soulful trombone and Chris Andrew’s keys to shine, and “Swan Song” exits with a dreamy demeanor that’s textured with beauty.
An accomplished effort that embraces harmonies, hooks, jazz, swing and pop, Ochoa makes for an unpredictable and diverse body of work.
Travels well with: Jimmy Farace- Big Shoulders, Big Sounds; Timo Vollbrecht- Bremen New York