Lovesome Thing: Anaïs Reno Sings Ellington & Strayhorn
Harbinger, 2021
9/10
Listen Lovesome Thing: Anais Reno Sings Ellington & Strayhorn
At a mere 16 years old on this debut, Anaïs Reno makes this first album a tribute record, where classics by Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn unfold with help from Emmet Cohen, Russell Hall, Kyle Poole, Tivon Pennicott and Juliet Kurtzman, and, of course, Reno’s mature interpretation.
“Caravan” starts the listen with Poole’s proficient percussion alongside Reno’s rich, expressive pipes in the timeless jazz climate, and “Mood Indigo” follows with Kurtzman’s violin prowess on display as Reno’s radiant pipes sound wiser than her years.
Elsewhere, Reno showcases swing tendencies on the playful “Still In Love”, while “It’s Kind Of Lonesome Out Tonight” emits Cohen’s gorgeous piano amid the heartfelt and eloquent atmosphere. “Day Dream”, one of the album’s best, then offers an alluring intimacy that’s not short on beauty or memorableness.
Near the end, “Lush Life” is just keys and vocals in a stripped back environment that really allows Reno’s vocals to shine, and “Take The ‘A’ Train” exits the listen with an undeniable energy and charming playfulness that we won’t soon forget.
A vocalist with a healthy career ahead of her, doing justice to these songs is no easy feat for anyone- especially a teenager- but Reno pulls it off like a seasoned vet. Expect to hear a lot more about Anaïs Reno, as there appears to be boundless talent present in this youngster and she’s just scratching the surface.
Travels well with: Lauren White And The Quinn Johnson Trio- Ever Since The World Ended; Roseanna Vitro- Listen Here