Earth Voices
Empress, 2021
9/10
The Toronto pianist and composer Amanda Tosoff returns with her 6th album as leader and her 2nd with vocals, where 7 singers add much to the poetry of Edgar Allen Poe, Walt Whitman, Rumi, Pablo Neruda and more.
“A Dream Within A Dream” starts the listen with Tosoff’s fluid keys flowing alongside saxophones from Allison Au and Kelly Jefferson as Emilie-Claire Barlow brings her smooth pipes to the timeless jazz opener, and “Sonnet 49” follows with Aline Homzy’s graceful violin and Beth Silver’s cello adding to the warm climate where Robin Dann’s soft and expressive singing leaves an impression.
Halfway through, “Birdwings” enters a darker area with an orchestral slant, as Alex Samaras offers his spirited and emotive voice to the mesmerizing delivery, while “Oh, Life” benefits much from Alex Goodman’s intricate guitar work, not to mention the pretty singing from Laila Biali and Samaras.
Near the finish, “To A Stranger” recruits Laurence Schaufele and Jeremy Potts on viola as Felicity Williams injects her intimate vocals, and “Finis” exits the listen with a light and agile jazz friendly conclusion that makes great use scatting by Barlow.
A listen where all 8 tracks radiate in their own richly textured light, Tosoff and company create some instantly enjoyable modern jazz here, and I doubt it would surprise anyone if this one also lands her a Juno nomination.
Travels well with: Dave Restivo- Arancina; Will Bonness- Change Of Plans