Higher Grounds
Outside In, 2022
8/10
An exceptional vocalist, pianist, and composer, this debut from DO’A finds the Albanian in fantastic company as musicians from around the world help illuminate her expressive songs.
“Flor De Lis” starts the listen with DO’A’s very pretty singing alongside Harold López-Nussa’s agile piano and Ruy Adrian López’s skilled percussion, and “Alfonsina y el Mar” follows with Nando Michelin’s sublime keys complementing the poetic vocals of the gorgeous delivery.
Halfway through, “I Fall In Love Too Easily” allows DO’A’s intimate pipes to shine amid the mature piano, while “Unidad” showcases Shango Daly’s frisky percussion and DO’A’s guitar skills in the breezy album highlight.
The final two tracks are just as warm, and include Shai Maestro’s stirring piano amid the eloquent vocal work on “Pranvera”, and “Krijim”, where DO’A handles piano on the live selection that showcases a distinct soulfulness.
In addition to the above, Julio Cesar González plays bass and Mayquel González contributes trumpet on this folk, jazz, samba and Latin hybrid of a very emotive journey that truly connects with the listener on a human level.
Travels well with: Roxy Coss- Disparate Parts; The Adam Larson Trio- With Love, From Chicago