Through The Passages
Vital Flame, 2024
8/10
Listen to Through The Passages
This 4th album from the award-winning vocalist Nancy Erickson Lamont treats us to a dozen new tracks, where some of the best musicians from the Pacific Northwest are in attendance
“Tick Tock” starts the listen with Shawn Schlogel’s warm keys and Chris Symer’s playful voice, which suits Lamont’s impressive range, and “Miles Between” follows with Johnaye Kendrick’s well timed viola alongside the expressive and poetic singing.
Into the middle, “Leo” places Michael Glynn on bass amid Josh Nelson’s mature piano that complements the soaring vocals, while “Rainy Season Love Affair” welcomes Brent Jensen’s sax, Jerome Smith’s trombone and Derek Smith’s bass clarinet to the rich and flowing jazz that is the album’s best.
Close to the end, “Haiku New Love” recruits Jean Chaumont’s elegant guitar to the dreamy demeanor that utilizes Lamont’s pretty pipes, and “Auf Weidersehen, Goodnight” exits with calm keys and stirring vocals for a minimal but impactful finish.
The songs here revolve around motherhood, aging, divorce and new love, as Lamont’s relatable craft tugs on the heartstrings with much care and sincerity.
Travels well with: Jacqui Naylor- Treasures Of The Heart; Andrea Wolper- Wanderlust