Trio
Self-Released, 2025
8/10
The Canadian vocalist Kalya Ramu returns with a 3rd album, where Julien Bradley-Combs and Duncan Hopkins accompany her for 9 ballad friendly and swingin’ selections.
The romantic “I’m In The Mood For Love” begins with Ramu’s lovely voice alongside Bradley-Combs’ gentle guitar, and “Hayalda Hachi Yafa Bagan” follows with Hebrew singing, where Hopkins’ gentle upright bass adds much to the graceful delivery.
“Caravan” lands in the middle and offers a mesmerizing climate of warmth and mystery, while “When The Moon Is High”, the lone original, allows for Ramu’s expressive suits to complement the meticulous bass playing.
Closer to the end, “Out Of Nowhere” is a rich and eloquent album highlight that emits both playfulness and beauty, and “You Go To My Head” exits with a stirring intimacy via the emotive singing and heartfelt presence.
Ramu makes for a flawless performance, and the strong attention to timbre and texture from the trio yields a timeless and memorable listening experience.
Travels well with: Sarah Jerrom- Magpie; Andrea Superstein- Oh Mother