The Sound Of Love
Travlin’, 2024
8/10
A vocally focused listen of very precise storytelling from Tania Grubbs, the jazz singer brings along David Budway, Jeff Grubbs, Ron Affif and James Johnson III for these 14 careful tracks.
The frisky “But Not For Me” starts the listen with Johnson’s lively drums that suit Grubbs’ strong range and the bouncy bass lines from Jeff Grubbs, and “Slow Hot Wind” follows with Budway’s elegant keys that complement the rich singing.
Further along, “Strange Meadowlark” is a melodic and warm album highlight that showcases Grubbs’ expressive pipes, while “Blackbird” benefits much from Affif’s meticulous guitar in the dreamy Beatles classic.
Close to the end, “Dreamsville” radiates intimacy via the mature keys and agile drumming, and “Two For The Road” exits with gorgeous keys that interact with Grubbs’ flawless and emotive singing which tugs on the heartstrings.
A very sensitive and adaptable body of work that can waltz, swing and even get funky, Grubbs and her cast flesh out a top notch jazz vocal album.
Travels well with: Suzanne Pittson- Emerge Dancing; Jacqui Naylor- Treasures Of The Heart