Unspoken
Self-Released, 2022
8/10
The exceptional vocalist Deb Rasmussen found herself reinvented during the pandemic with respect to songwriting, and that’s when these originals and standards were fleshed out with the pianist Jon Day, as the pair explore the components of love that are often left unsaid.
The mature keys and warm bass of “Front Porch” opens the listen, where Rasmussen’s smooth, radiant voice guides the sophisticated jazz climate, and “You Smile” follows with a playful demeanor of romantic and uplifting song craft that’s quite charming.
Halfway through, “Swept Away” finds a very intimate place to reside as Rasmussen’s expressive pipes are complemented by the agile keys, while “I Hear A Rhapsody” lands in frisky territory with its cozy vocal scatting and subtle but effective drums.
Further down the line, “In Your Own Sweet Way” showcases the strategic bass plucking amid Rasmussen’s glowing pipes, and “My Best To You” exits the listen with much beauty present in the graceful keys paired with the soothing singing that urges the listener to find the love that’s best for them.
Day and Rasmussen are joined by Jeremy Coates (bass) and Robin Tufts (drums), and together they make for an emotion listen that also dedicates itself to the women who have struggled to keep their lives and families together during the pandemic.
Travels well with: Kate Wyatt- Artifact; Jocelyn Gould- Golden Hour