Something In The Water
Brother Mister, 2022
8/10
Listen to Something In The Water
The vocalist, trumpeter and composer Jennifer Hartswick returns with a sophomore album, where humor and vulnerability and how it relates to the human condition is explored with an excellent cast of players via her New Orleans jazz focused formula that’s still very much influenced by her Nashville residency.
“Only Time Will Tell” opens the listen with Hartswick’s soulful pipes and bright trumpet alongside Rob Marscher’s agile keys and Conor Elmes’ proficient drumming populating the lively climate, and “Fairytale” follows with a dreamy elegance that recruits Christian McBride’s charming bass and soaring backing vocals from Nicholas Cassarino and Celisse Henderson.
“By The River” arrives in the middle and showcases a festive spirit with Roy Agee’s trombone prowess making an indelible impression amid Hartswick’s vocal acrobatics, while “Guilty” trims the pace back with emotive singing and McBride’s incredible bass plucking in the powerful yet bare landscape.
The last two tracks are among the best, and include the R&B sensibilities of “Enamored”, where Chris Chew’s backing vocals complement Hartswick’s stunning pipes, and “When I’m Weary” exits with just Hartswick’s poetic voice and trumpet and Cassarino’s warm guitar in the intimate finish.
An artist whose craft is truly timeless, Hartswick touches on blues, jam and nostalgic rock’n’roll, among other ideas, in this exceptional and unique jazz experience.
Travels well with: Natalie Cressman & Ian Faquini- Auburn Whisper; Jacqui Naylor- The Long Game