Lit From Within
Self-Released, 2022
8/10
A powerful gospel/jazz vocalist who survived a massive stroke not too long ago, Leticia Walker returns with Lit From Within, where she honors God, and takes help from Steve Jankowski on horn arrangements, backing vocals, trumpet, flugelhorn, trombone and percussion.
The title track opens the listen with bright horns and soulful backing vocals, as Walker’s fluid and smooth pipes guide the warm grooves of the jazz flavored climate, and “This I Know For Sure” follows with a very intimate, romantic mood, where rich instrumentation is met with flowing vocals.
Further on, the dreamy “Power Of Love” offers a mesmerizing album highlight that benefits from Tommy LaBella’s stunning alto sax solo, while “Highest Praise” emits a very gospel influenced demeanor of breeziness and charming melodies.
Close to the end, the duet with Deb Lyons on “Happy Days/Get Happy” is met with airy flute, and “Jesus Is Mine” exits with a big band feel, where booming brass and some funk filled moments make for a festive finish.
A very well thought out mix of originals and standards, Walker and company inject much sincerity and timelessness into this substantial and textured affair.
Travels well with: Angela O’Neill- Light At The End Of The Tunnel; Marilyn Scott- The Landscape