Manhattan Whispers
Self-Released, 2022
8/10
The inimitable vocalist Yola Nash brings her distinct delivery to Eastern European folk and Latin grooves across this very diverse body of work.
The title track opens the listen with playfully plucked bass from David Baron alongside Luisito Quintero’s acrobatic drumming, as Nash’s mix of talking and singing is quite alluring, and “Lover’s In Paradise” follows with Alex Meixner’s warm accordion amid the emotive vocals that’s never short on rhythm.
“World On Fire” lands in the middle and uses agile piano from Edsel Gomez, where Nash’s eloquent pipes are very expressive and complement the grooves, while “Angel’s Tears” finds a very spiritual place to reside with its warm keys and poetic delivery from Nash.
Near to the end, “Truth Tango” brings both tension and beauty into the meticulous tango climate, and “Wonderful Life” exits with the best tune, where a lush and very upbeat demeanor is filled with a glorious spirit that celebrates life in a worldly fashion.
This is Nash’s 3rd album, and it’s a mashing of pop, Latin, jazz and European flavor that’s highly infectious, exceptionally timeless and exciting from beginning to end.
Travels well with: Kirsten Lambert- From A Window To A Screen; The Margaret Slovak Trio- Ballad For Brad