Wanderlust
Moonflower, 2024
8/10
The always unpredictable artist Andrea Wolper returns with a 4th album as leader, where 7 original tunes and 5 adventurous re-workings of jazz and pop classics are present.
“Light Out Of Darkness” opens the listen with Wolper’s soulful voice alongside John Di Martino’s mature piano and Jeff Lederer’s glowing clarinet, and “Dog Day Afternoon” follows with a light and intimate demeanor that uses poetic singing and Charlie Burnham’s stirring violin.
Further into the listen, “The Music Is The Magic” benefits much from Ken Filiano’s playfully plucked bass amid the firm keys for a hint of mystery, while “Been To Canaan” showcases Lederer’s dreamy flute alongside much beauty via Wolper’s soft and smooth pipes.
Closer to the end, “I Burn For You” is particularly eloquent, where manipulated strings and mesmerizing keys suit the descriptive wordplay, and “The Winter Of Our Content” exits with flowing vocals and cozy instrumentation for a memorable finish.
Even though it’s been 10+ years since Wolper last released music, she’s stayed busy playing clubs and touring. Here’s she maintains time honored jazz traditions with a bluesy tint and literary references via boundless creativity.
Travels well with: Julie Kelly- Freedom Jazz Dance; Betty Bryant- Lotta Livin’