Night Birds
Robalo, 2023
8/10
The vocalist Sara Serpa and guitarist André Matos come together with some friends for this unique jazz listen that blends beauty and mood with much skill.
“From A Distance” begins the listen with Dov Manski’s atmospheric synth complementing Matos’ sound manipulation that suits Serpa’s artistic singing, and “Carlos” follows with João Pereira’s well timed drums amid Serpa’s expressive delivery that’s elegant and minimal.
“Night Birds” lands in the middle, and uses Sofia Jernberg’s rich pipes in a bare, intimate delivery, while Okkyung Lee’s graceful cello contributions populate the warm spirit of “Degrowth”.
Deeper still, “Watching You Growth” welcomes Lourenco’s gorgeous vocals to sophisticated piano playing and agile percussion via Matos, and “Bagatelle, Op.6: Lento” exits with Serpa’s soothing, wordless vocals front and center for a mesmerizing finish.
It’s been 7 years since the duo released an album, and they certainly make the wait worth it, where sonically rich and hypnotic sounds are born from the pair’s inimitable formula of ambient jazz, folk, and experimental chamber nods.
Travels well with: Daniel Hersog Jazz Orchestra- Open Spaces- Folk Songs Reimagined; Aline Homzy- Éclipse