Blue Journal
Self-Released, 2022
9/10
A Slovakian jazz vocalist with a stunning set of pipes, Ester Wiesnerová brings along Sam Knight (sax), Charles Overton (harp), Kan Yanabe (percussion) and Michal Selep (bass) for these rich and cultured tracks.
“Sinking Deep” opens the listen with Wiesnerová’s gorgeous voice alongside dreamy harp and carefully plucked bass in the emotive climate, and “Circles” follows with a warm intimacy that showcases the expressive singing in a very stirring delivery.
Further into the listen, “Feet Are Screaming” is a bit busier, as soulful sax and adventurous percussion complements the bright vocals, while “Who Are You Now” twinkles with a sublime beauty that reflects on Wiesnerová’s trip to the U.S.
Closer to the end, “Dripping” offers a bare and eloquent display of well timed harp and Wiesnerová’s inimitable voice, and “Epilogue” exits the listen with many wordless voices making for a creative, alluring finish.
Although she has been living and performing in New York City in recent years, when the pandemic shut the city down, Wiesnerová returned to Slovakia to work on this record. A very introspective listen, journaling helped Wiesnerová shape this album, and the packaging of the physical release actually comes with a journal as well.
Travels well with: Jo Harrop- The Heart Wants; Nicole Henry- Time To Love Again