Acrobats
Whirlwind, 2023
9/10
The Australian vocalist Jo Lawry has enjoyed an impressive career that includes working intimately with Sting, Paul Simon and Peter Gabriel, and this first solo album in over a decade brings Linda May Han Oh and Allison Miller to the 10 jazz tunes.
“Travelling Lights” starts the listen with Lawry’s extremely eloquent and smooth voice alongside Han Oh’s very intricate bass plucking, as Miller’s frisky drums enter the infectious climate, and the title track follows with pretty singing amid the frisky rhythm section.
Halfway through, “‘Deed I Do” welcomes playful scatting and expressive singing to the bouncy album highlight, while “You’re The Voice” is a bit more firm with thumping drums and swift bass lines that welcomes rock influences.
Moving towards the end, “317 East 32nd Street” is populated by warm scatting, brushed drums and meticulous bass, and “If I Were A Bell” exits with Lawry’s very distinct enunciation in the stylish and highly memorable finish.
Let’s hope it isn’t another 10 years before Lawry graces us with another release, cause that voice is a thing of beauty that we could never tire of, and the musicianship is top notch jazz.
Travels well with: Libby York- Dreamland; Ben Wolfe- Unjust