Better Days
Winding Way, 2019
8/10
A New York City native who currently resides in Philadelphia, Lili Anel has performed with some of the biggest names in music, and has even racked up a few awards herself in the area of jazz sounds. Better Days, her 9th album, has the songstress working alongside Dale Melton, Jeffrey Blount and Jonathan Whitney on this very engaging folk/soul/pop/jazz hybrid.
“Thin Line” starts the listen with bright horns before spirited keys enter the soulful and playful formula that’s immediately infectious, and “Better Days” follows with elegant saxophone in the jazz influenced balladry that flows with a soothing quality.
Further along, “Take It From Me” finds itself vocally expressive and R&B influenced, while “The Wrong Time” enters soft folk-rock territory with a calm yet emotive delivery. “A Family Affair”, the album highlight, then recruits multiple voices for a groove filled execution of organ fills and crisp percussion.
At the end, “Supposed To Be” glides with an agile and gentle display of proficient beauty, and “George Bailey’s Lament” exits the listen sublimely with soaring vocals on the lush and cautious example of skilled song craft and flawless dynamics between her esteemed band.
A well balanced and easily enjoyable listen, Anel’s (pronounced Ahn-Yell) rich and versatile voice steers these well though out songs perfectly, and will certainly satisfy longtime fans as well as bring new ears to her varied and timeless formula.
Travels well with: Anna Tivel- The Question; Brooke Annibale- Hold To The Light