Nori
Self-Released, 2021
8/10
A very diverse Neo jazz band who reside in Austin, this self-titled album from Nori collects the quintet’s favorite tracks and welcomes plenty of guests as they address love, racism and activism amid the strings to complement their crossover jazz ways.
“The Garden” opens the listen with Akina Adderley’s powerful vocals alongside graceful strings and soulful brass from Erik Telford, and “Wildfire” follows with Andy Beaudoin’s frisky drumming alongside the eloquent singing and bright horns.
“Tumbao” lands in the middle and emits a flowing melody thanks to Aaron Allen’s strategic acoustic bass plucking, while “The Walk” benefits from Nick Litterski’s very agile keys populating the emotive landscape. “Lullaby”, perhaps the best track, then brings an upbeat quality with its frisky, timeless jazz demeanor.
“I See You” and “Four Women” are the final two tracks, where the former is a gorgeous and dreamy display, and the latter, a Nina Simone cover, finishes with a bare but impactful interpretation that’s as sublime as the original.
A very fluid affair that embraces soul, jazz and even folk ideas, there’s much to enjoy across these songs that span 2015-2021, and it’s all executed with incredible detail, warmth and sincerity.
Travels well with: Nina Simone-The Montreux Years; Susana Baca- Palabras Urg’entes