Auburn Whisper
Groundup, 2022
8/10
The singer, trombonist and songwriter Natalie Cressman and the guitarist, composer and vocalist Ian Faquini found themselves unable to tour in 2020 for their last album, and instead adapted to pandemic life by slowly piecing together this Brazilian influenced and expansive 13 tracks.
“Afoxé” opens the listen with eloquent singing alongside light, dreamy brass, and “Rear Window” follows with a similar approach of intimate trombone amid Cressman’s gorgeous singing.
Further on, the title track mixes agile guitar and soulful trombone with a calming spirit, while “Cazadero” places Faquini’s pipes front and center in a very bare climate.
Moving towards the end, “Hood River” is again Faquini focused in the hazy, nearly blurry delivery, and “Madrugada” exits the listen with the duo’s inimitable talents in an absorbing execution.
A highly reflective listen that allowed the pair to take a larger role as producers, and for Cressman as arranger, this is a lovely and very alluring spin on world music meets jazz meets folk sounds that resonates with much warmth.
Travels well with: Michael Leonhart Orchestra- The Normyn Suites; Bill O’Connell- A Change Is Gonna Come