Romance Language
Pacific Coast Jazz, 2025
8/10
The jazz singer Kathy Sanborn brings us 10 of her ballads, where Wayne Ricci is in attendance to help flesh out the heartfelt and relatable tracks.
The frisky energy of “Romance Language (Homage To A Trumpeter)” opens with Sanborn’s pretty pipes alongside Ricci’s rich brass, and “Never Blue” follows with Sanborn’s warm keys that suit the light drumming and cozy intimacy.
Halfway through, “Si Bon (So Good)” uses Ricci’s colorful trumpet amid Sanborn’s expressive storytellling, while “El Viaje” is an upbeat moment that’s melodic and charming thanks to the scatting and stylish jazz nods.
“Otro” arrives near the end and is both cautious and poetic via the meticulous keys, gentle drums and Sanborn’s dreamy singing, and “El Jardín De La Vida” exits with a cultured presence, lush textures and an adventurous spirit that’s much appreciated.
A highly emotional effort that can occasionally be haunting, too, Sanborn and Ricci create a worldly landscape of timeless vocal jazz sounds.
Travels well with: Deborah Silver- Basie Rocks; Liz Cole- I Want To Be Happy