Hope Resurgence
NLW, 2023
8/10
An album that was six years of work to make, this debut from the powerful vocalist Nadia Washington has her playing many instruments across the 9 songs that surround perseverance and faith.
The warm and cautious title track starts the listen with John Davis’ playful drums and Josh Hari’s precise bass complementing Washington’s inimitable voice and percussion, and “Broken” follows with Brad Allen Williams’ fluid guitar playing in the rhythmic climate that makes good use of Jesse Fischer’s frisky keys.
Further along, “Cyclone” features Nicholas Payton’s bright trumpet amid the strong attention to mood thanks to Washington’s poetic pipes, while “Nabi”, the album’s best, spotlights Jake Sherman’s lively organ that suits Washington’s impressive range and animated singing.
“Fire” and “Pagliacci’s Lament” exit the listen, where the former emits Jiri Nedoma’s keys and congas from Washington that strategically cultivates many grooves, and the latter is populated by Washington’s synth, Moog bass and glockenspiel in the intimate and pretty finish.
An excellent debut that’s heartfelt and collaborative, Washington’s time with Dianne Reeves, Terri Lynne Carrington and Esperanaza Spalding, plus many others, has certainly prepared her for being front and center.
Travels well with: Lauren Henderson- Conjuring; Danielle Wertz- Other Side